France stands with Tunisia in battle against terrorism: Hollande

French President Francois Hollande on Monday expressed solidarity with Tunisia after dozens of militants attacked army and police posts in the town of Ben Guerdan near the Libyan border.

"France stands alongside Tunisia which, again, has been targeted because it is a symbol of democracy," Hollande said in a statement. .

"More than ever, France is determined to continue and intensify its cooperation with Tunisia in the fight against terrorism," he added.

In a separate communique, French Foreign Minister Jean-March Ayrault denounced the attack which "only heightens the urgent need for a political solution in Libya."

"We reaffirm our solidarity with the people and authorities of Tunisia, whose transition to democracy was exemplary. It is precisely for that reason that the country is being targeted by terrorists," the French top diplomat added.

On Monday, a group of militants stormed the southern Tunisian town and targeted police posts. Soldiers killed 33 militants and arrested six, according to the interior ministry.

Media reports said at least seven civilians were killed along with 10 soldiers.

Tunisian authorities have built a trench and barrier near the Libyan border to help stop militants from crossing.

Islamic State (IS) fighters in Libya claimed responsibility for an assault targeting a hotel that left 38 in June 2015. A few months later, an IS militant blew himself in a bus carrying presidential security guards. A total of 12 were killed and 20 others were injured. Endit