Tunisian security forces have dismantled four ISIL terror cells which were responsible for recruiting Tunisians for ISIL’s Libyan campaign. About 22 members of the terror cells were arrested alongside 10 ISIL recruits.
The arrests come shortly after ISIL confirmed the death of one of its senior field commanders, Ahmed al-Rouissi. The 48 years old al-Rouissi (whose photo appears below) was killed during a battle in Sirte, Libya. Prior to his death, al-Rouissi worked alongside Seifallah Ben Hassine – the founder of Ansar al-Sharia terror group – to plan and execute terror attacks in Tunisia, Libya and the wider Maghreb region.
The collapse of Libya presented a power vacuum which could be exploited by ISIL, Al Qaeda and their affiliates. The Islamists exploited the vulnerability and thereafter established themselves in Libya where they have been able to entrench themselves in all the facets of the national life.
Tunisia is worried that widespread terrorism in Libya may spill over into the nation thereby destabilizing the current fragile security environment.
Ahmed al-Rouissi was a wanted fugitive in Tunisia where he helped orchestrate terror attacks which targeted left-wing politicians. The assassination of several prominent left-wing politicians by Ansar al-Sharia plunged Tunisia into a political crisis which still remains unresolved. Libya is still battling Ansar al-Sharia.
