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Tunisia security forces clash with militants near Libyan border

Xinhua, March 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

An armed confrontation continued on Tuesday morning between Tunisian security forces and militants in Ben Guerdane, according to local sources.

In its latest statement, both ministries of defense and interior have not revealed further details about the ongoing operations.

"Since March 7, 2016, the joint operation conducted by the security forces of the national army units is still ongoing," reads the statement issued Tuesday.

At a press conference held on Tuesday in Carthage Tunis, Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid confirmed that 36 terrorists were killed and seven others were arrested, in addition to seven civilians and 12 security agents who were also killed.

According to Essid, about 50 militants led the attack on Monday morning, which targeted three security points, the military barracks, the national guard station, and the police station in the region. "Most of the perpetrators are Tunisian," he added.

Official authorities have yet to confirm a rise in the casualties toll Tuesday. Endit