Algeria condemns Tunisia terrorist attack

Algeria on Monday condemned the terrorist attack in Tunisia which left dozens of casualties among security forces and civilians near Libyan border.

"Algeria vigorously condemns the terrorist attack, perpetrated on Monday, in the locality of Ben Gardane, southern Tunisia," APS news agency quoted Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abdelaziz Benali Cherif as saying.

"Algeria reiterates full support and solidarity with brotherly Tunisian government and people," it added.

The spokesman further noted that Algeria once more "rejects terrorism, under all its forms, and urges all regional and international players to further enhance their cooperation and combine efforts to battle this plague and make it the main challenge."

Earlier on Monday, heavy fighting burst out between Tunisian forces and a group of militants who attacked police and army posts in Ben Guerdane, a border town located about 450 km south of the Tunisian capital Tunis.

Some 29 militants, at least five civilians and four security personnel were killed in the clashes, according to the latest toll reported by Radio Mosaique FM. Six other militants were arrested after they were wounded during the attacks.

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi denounced the attacks as unprecedented and coordinated assaults, according to an official statement. Endit