Belgium to open own investigation into Tunisia attacks

The Belgian federal prosecutor is to launch an investigation into the circumstances behind the recent attacks in Tunisia, De Standaard reported on Monday.

A total of 23 people, including 20 foreign tourists, were killed in the attack, which took place at the Bardo Museum in the capital city of Tunis on Wednesday.

The Islamic State (ISIS) militants have already claimed responsibilities for the attack.

According to Belgian media reports over the weekend, one of those suspected of taking part in the attack was recently believed to have been in Belgium. The country has one of the highest rates of nationals travelling abroad to join the Isis.

In addition, a 61 year-old Belgian woman is among the people killed. Her 62 year-old husband was seriously injured.

The federal prosecutor confirmed on Monday that an investigation would be launched into the possibility of a Belgian link to the crime.

The attack took place when three gunmen opened fire on visitors at the Bardo museum in Tunis on Wednesday, leaving 23 people dead and around 40 injured.

Amongst those killed were 20 foreign tourists from countries including Australia, Columbia, Japan and the United Kingdom.

A Tunisian policeman was also among the dead.

Two of the attackers were killed by police at the scene. The third is still at large.

Meanwhile, the Tunisian Prime Minister, Habib Essid, announced on Monday that six police chiefs had been dismissed following the attacks, including the police chiefs of Tunis and the Bardo Museum.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister told French media that "shortcomings" in policing and security were to blame for the death toll. He said that a monument to honour the dead would be erected shortly. Endit