An Australian could be among 17 tourists who were killed by two gunmen at a famed museum in Tunisia.
According to the country’s Prime Minister, the incident occured at Bardo National Museum in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis.
PM Habid Essid said the gunmen were dressed in military uniforms and shot at the tourists as they stepped off a bus.
They then followed the group into the museum.
People have taken to the streets to demonstrate against terrorism. Image: Eric Reidy/Twitter
The group of tourists is believed to have been made up of five Japanese, four Italians, two Colombians, two Spaniards, two French, one Polish and one Australian.
Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop told ABC News the Government is yet to confirm reports of an Australian’s death.
Also dead are the two gunmen and a police officer who were killed during a shoot out.
So far, there hasn’t been any claim of responsibility, however, Mr Essid has labelled it an act of terrorism.
“All Tunisians should be united after this attack, which was aimed at destroying the Tunisian economy”.
Habid Essid, Tunisia Prime Minister
President, Beji Caid Essebsi, said in a public address that the the world is in a ‘war against terrorism’ and ‘savage minorities’ will not frighten the country.
“We will fight them without mercy to our last breath.”
Habid Essid, Tunisia Prime Minister
The country’s Tourism Minister Selma Elluni Rekik has also come out to to ease concerns, stressing tourism to the country is safe.
Directing her messages to travellers, she denied the country has links to terrorism and stressed borders to neighbouring Libya (which is in the spotlight for terrorism activity) are “impermeable to any infiltration attempt”.
Travellers have taken to social media to show their support for the country by promising to visit next Summer.
Using the hashtag #JeSuisBardo, travellers are posting pics holding up signs saying ‘I will come to Tunisia this summer’.
People from different countries vow to go to #Tunisia next Summer in solidarity after attack in #BardoMuseum, #Tunis pic.twitter.com/C6rlSC9vMK
— Rodrigo Barbosa (@RodaLarga) March 18, 2015
Locals have also taken to the streets to protest terrorism and pay respect to the dead. Tunisia has made considerable effort over the last few years to increase its tourism profile, which contributes significantly to the economy.
“1000s in Tunis protesting to denounce terrorism & paying respect to the deaths in Bardo museum #tunisie #tunisia pic.twitter.com/QDM8pgDh3a”RT
— ♕ أميرة ♕ (@OuridaTunsiaa) March 18, 2015
Around six million international visitors travel to the country per year and spend around 30 million nights.
A large number of tourists come from Eastern Europe, however, Libyans are the number one market followed by the French, Algerians, Germans, Italians and British.
Domestic tourism is around 1.2 million a year, generating 2.75 million nights.
Feature image: CNN
