US supports Tunisia with equipments to combat terrorism

The United States has delivered military equipments to Tunisia to help the country secure its borders and battle terrorism.

The equipments made up of jeeps, small aircraft and communication gadgets will help prevent extremists crossing over from Libya via Tunisia’s southeastern border.

The planes will help Tunisia to be warned about any dangerous activity near the border.

“I’m very pleased that the United States is able to provide Tunisia with surveillance aircraft that will improve Tunisia’s ability to locate terrorists who attempt to infiltrate your borders,” Amanda Dory, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, said.

Tunisia’s defence minister said the sophisticated equipments will strengthen his country’s capacity to protect its land and maritime borders. The Islamic Sate has been targeting Tunisia as attacks from the group last year left about 60 people dead.

“Tunisia relies primarily on its strength, but also that of allies in the fight against terrorism,” Farhat Horchani, Tunisian Defence Minister said.

An estimated 5000 Tunisian nationals are fighting for ISIS in Syria and Libya and everyday – many others are stopped at the border. Tunisia has built a 200 km barrier at its border with Libya in efforts to stop infiltration by Islamic State militants.

AFP