Tunisia : New Year Warning issued

Threats of terrorists’ attacks on New Year’s Eve are being issued by the Interior Ministry but it seems as if Tunisians are busy preparing for festivities. The end of year is usually marked with celebrations all over the world and it is also seen by businesses as an opportune moment to offer promotional packages. Minister Lotfi Ben Jeddou has warned the nation of possible attacks since the beginning of the month.
Suspects have been arrested since the public warning was issued. However, popular tourist destinations like Djerba Island, Hammamet and Sousse could be possible targets of the terrorists. Some of the terrorists are believed to have been recruited in Libya. Since the Arab Spring started, suicide bombing has never been practiced until recently.
There are reports that the Tunisian terrorist organization Ansar al-Sharia, which has been linked to the killing of soldiers in Jebel Chaambi, the assassinations of opposition politicians Chorki Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi, and the attack on the US embassy in Tunis, could even resort to using women in suicide attacks on December 31st.
Two weeks ago, spokesman of the Defense Ministry, Colonel Major Taoufik Rahmouni added his voice to the imminent threat. He said they are “dealing seriously with a vast amount of information on potential terrorist threats that the country may be exposed to during New Year’s Eve celebrations.”
Tourism agencies and businesses have minimized the public warning and are busy promoting their offers. MokhtarBenour, a promotion specialist at a tourist resort, said “the threats haven’t changed any of our programs.”
Tunisians are cautious with the warning but believe that they have to eradicate such acts in their country. Last month, a suicide bomber blew himself up on a beach.