Resort shootings: At least 15 Britons among Tunisia terror victims

Tunisian officials to close down 80 mosques suspected of inciting violence; Pakistan condemns attack

LONDON:

Britain said on Saturday that at least 15 of its citizens were killed in the attack on a Tunisian beach resort, its worst loss of life in a terror incident since the 2005 London bombings.

“Sadly, I can confirm that at least 15 British nationals were killed in yesterday’s atrocity,” said Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood. “But I should stress that the number may well rise as several more have been seriously injured in this horrific attack.”

At least 38 people were killed on Friday when a Tunisian student disguised as a holidaymaker opened fire at a resort in Port el Kantaoui just north of Sousse, about 140 kilometres south of Tunis. The shooting was claimed by the Islamic State.

British police have sent forensic experts and detectives to Tunisia to help identify victims and gather evidence. Officers were also interviewing many of the British holidaymakers who flew home on Saturday.



Meanwhile, Tunisia’s Prime Minister Habib Essid said a raft of new anti-terrorism measures would go into effect from July 1, including the deployment of reserve troops to reinforce security at sensitive sites. He said the government would also close down 80 mosques suspected of inciting extremism within a week.

Pakistan condemns attack

Pakistan strongly condemned the attack on foreign tourists in Tunisia, reiterating its resolve that terrorism was a common enemy and should be denounced in all its forms and manifestations.

“The government of Pakistan shares the pain and anguish of the people and the government of Tunisia over the terrorist attack and wishes to convey their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for speedy recovery of the injured,” a statement issued by the ministry of foreign affairs stated.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2015.