The Algeria-Tunisia border situation is very delicate at the moment Clashes between Tunisian security and members of the group that attacked and killed officer Anis Jelassi broke out again on Wednesday. Violence continued after a group of 40 armed individuals fired at a car before escaping to the nearby Mount Alhaanbe. Tunisian security forces and army in collaboration with the Algerian forces were able to siege them at Mount Alhaanbe after tracking their phone calls. Following a broad sweep of the area of Feriana at the border, the foces managed to find the group’s camp where they discovered Algerian identity cards and a Tunisian mobile phone, which allowed them to track their calls.
The Tunisian army had to close off 220 km around the Tunisian border with Algeria, with the exception of the Boshpkh crossing which was subject to strict surveillance measures.
An official security source confirmed to Arabstoday that security forces arrested 11 suspects. Forces are still searching for more people involved with the group.
Following this, the Tunisian General Labour Union decided to call off a general strike planned for Thursday, due to the division of its governing body. However, many trade unionists call for suspending the strike instead of cancelling it. They gathered in front of the meeting hall of the governing body raising slogans calling for the adoption of a general strike.
Arabstoday has obtained a copy of the joint agreement between the Tunisian government and the Tunisian General Labour Union, which states both parties must sit and work out their differences through dialogue. The government also condemned the attack on the Union\'s headquarters and leaders and formed an independent committee to investigate the incident within a month. Anyone involved will be subject to trial.
Furthermore, Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki has had to postpone a European tour to Poland and Bulgaria in the coming days, due to the delicate situation in the country.