Summary:

Between 17 and 18 April 2024, Tunisian security forces arrested three terrorists in Kasserine, with government announcements indicating that they were “very dangerous” members of the Jund al-Khalifa organization. 

On 18 April, President Kais Saied announced the arrest of a dangerous terrorist during a celebration marking the 68th anniversary of the establishment of Tunisia’s security forces. 

The Ministry of the Interior provided additional information indicating that on the morning of 18 April, security forces arrested Mahmoud Sellami, aka “Youssef”, who was identified as a senior leader of Jund al-Khalifa. Later in the day, the arrest of Saifeddine Zbiba was announced. Government information indicated that both arrests took place near the Kasserine mountains and that the arrested individuals were in possession of weapons and explosives. 

On 19 April, the Ministry of the Interior announced that a third arrest of a suspected terrorist had been made near the Kasserine mountains. 

Jund al-Khalifa in Tunisia is identified widely as a terrorist organization, including by the United Nations Security Council, which indicates that the group is an affiliate of the Islamic State and connected to terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda. 

Late 2023 saw a surge in counterterrorism operations in Kasserine where terrorist elements have long operated in the porous border region with Algeria. In late December, Tunisian security forces killed three suspected terrorists in Kasserine. 

Outlook: 

The latest terrorism arrests follow multiple counterterrorism operations in late 2023 and early 2024 that seemingly came in response to the escape from prison of five convicted terrorists.  

While the escapees were recaptured, the government made a concerted effort to demonstrate competency on managing security within the country’s borders, particularly with a critical tourism season on the horizon. 

The latest arrests, perhaps timed to coincide with the anniversary event recognizing Tunisia’s security forces, are likely part of a continuous effort to communicate that the security environment in Tunisia is stable and ready to receive European tourists. 

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.