Update: Tunisian president declares state of emergency after deadly bomb attack kills 12
Xinhua, November 25, 2015 Adjust font size:
Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi declared Tuesday a nationwide state of emergency and curfew in Tunis after a deadly bomb attack on a presidential security guards bus in the capital.
"As a result of this painful event... I proclaim a state of emergency for 30 days under the terms of law, and a curfew in greater Tunis from 9:00 pm (2000 GMT) until 5:00 am (0400 GMT) tomorrow," the president addressed the TV.
At least 12 security officers were killed and 17 injured in the bus explosion Tuesday late afternoon in downtown Tunis, according to the Presidency.
The presidency's statement also described the attack as "terrorist."
The reason behind the explosion was still not clear at the moment and there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing.
The explosion came 10 days after Tunisian authorities deployed more security forces and increased security level in the capital.
Tunisia has been plagued by Islamist violence after the ouster of former President Ben Ali in 2011 uprisings.
Early this year, the Islamic State (IS) carried out two attacks targeting foreigners, hitting hard the country's tourism industry. Endit