Ennahda Condemns Bardo Attack, ISIS Claims Credit

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Ennahda Condemns Bardo Attack, ISIS Claims Credit

March 20, 2015

On March 18, militants attacked the Bardo Museum in Tunis and killed more than 20 people, most of whom were European tourists. The attack drew strong condemnation across Tunisia, including from Islamists.

On March 18, two gunmen, identified as Yassine Laabidi and Hatem Khachnaoui, attacked the Bardo Museum in Tunis and killed more than 20 people, most of whom were European tourists. ISIS – also known as ISIL, Daesh, or the Islamic State – later claimed for the attacks. More than Tunisians have reportedly traveled to Iraq and Syria to join ISIS, and in December 2014, ISIS posted a urging Tunisians to pledge allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi. It was not immediately , however, what connection the two gunmen had with ISIS.

The following are excerpts from ISIS’s , disseminated on Twitter on March 19:

“[The gunmen] launched and were heavily equipped with machine guns and hand grenades to target Bardo Museum.”
“The blessed immersing operation led to killing and wounding dozens of Crusaders and apostates…and the failed security forces did not dare to approach but after the two heroes ran out of ammunition.”
“What you have seen today is the first drop of the rain, Allah permitting. You will not enjoy security nor be pleased with peace while the Islamic State has men like these who do not sleep amidst grievances.”

The attack drew strong condemnation across Tunisia, including from Islamists. Ennahda, Tunisia’s leading Islamist party, posted statements in English, Arabic, and French on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. The following is a sample of their statements in English.