Tunisia deploys 100,000 security personnel to avert attacks
Jul 11, 2015, 6:30 AM
FILE - In this Friday, June 26, 2015 file photo, bodies are covered on a Tunisian beach, in Sousse. The British government on Thursday, July 9, 2015 told all U.K. tourists to leave Tunisia because a terrorist attack is "highly likely" and the North African country's government has not done enough to enhance security. (Jawhara FM via AP, File)
(Jawhara FM via AP, File)
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — Tunisia’s government says it has deployed 100,000 security personnel to protect the country and prevent new attacks, including 3,000 dedicated to protecting beaches, hotels and archaeological sites.
The government is smarting from the British government’s decision this week to urge tourists to leave the North African country because of security fears. Most of those killed in a June 26 attack by an Islamic extremist on a beach resort were British tourists.
Government minister Kamel Jendoubi told reporters in Tunis on Saturday that his country understands the British move but regrets it too.
He said the number of security officers at tourist sites was doubled to 3,000, and more than 100,000 personnel from the police, national guard, civil protection agency and army are now involved in the government’s overall security efforts.
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