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  • World - Africa
  • Updated: May 12, 2023

Deadly Synagogue Attack In Djerba Premeditated — Tunisia Authorities

Deadly Synagogue Attack In Djerba Premeditated — Tunisia A

Tunisia Interior Minister Kamel Fekih

Tunisia's Interior Minister Kamel Fekih said on Thursday that the national guardsman behind an attack that killed five people this week had intentionally targeted the ancient synagogue on the Mediterranean island of Djerba in a premeditated act.

After the attack on Tuesday, which killed three servicemen and two civilians attending an international pilgrimage at the Al Ghriba synagogue, Interior Minister vowed to go to any lengths to ensure the stability of the nation and protect foreigners.

Twelve were also injured in the attack that took place in the synagogue considered to be one of the world's oldest Jewish temples,

Wissam Khazri's identity as the shooter was made public by Tunisian officials, who also said he plotted the attack without providing any justification. 

Within 120 seconds of getting outside the synagogue complex, according to Fekih, security personnel shot and killed the shooter.

A French person was one of the victims, and the anti-terrorism prosecutor's office in France launched an investigation. Security agencies were urged by the interior minister to be on the lookout for any attempts to destabilize the nation.

Despite the attack on the synagogue, the country is still safe, according to President Kais Saied on Wednesday.

According to Kais Saied, those responsible for the incident intended to "sow the seeds of strife and hit the touristic season" that will soon begin in the nation.

The attack on the synagogue is a new blow to Tunisia's once-thriving tourism economy as well as to a robust Jewish community. Tunisia is mired in political and economic turmoil.

A well-known site for pilgrims is the medieval Ghriba synagogue on the island, which is claimed to be among the oldest Jewish temples in the world. 

Approximately 6,000 pilgrims from the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and other countries visited the synagogue this year, more than it had in a while, according to Perez Trabelsi, the chair of the synagogue's committee.

Four further Tunisian security personnel, one of whom is in severe condition, are still being treated in a Djerba hospital.

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