National Day of Victory over Terrorism
Ben Guerdane commemorates on Wednesday the resistance of the armed forces and citizens against the attack two years ago carried out by a group of ISIS terrorists who were trying to gain control of military and civil targets in the city.
The attack was foiled thanks to the quick response of Tunisia’s security forces and the military, backed by the local population.
19 people, including seven civilians died while 54 terrorists were killed in clashes that continued until the terrorists surrendered.
The population at the time took to the streets to help security forces, reporting the position of militants and often enabling their capture.
The ceremony for the second anniversary of the battle, for which a stamp was coined, was attended by Premier Youssef Chahed and other representatives of the national unity government.
Local authorities and unions proclaimed Wednesday as a festivity in Ben Guerdane to commemorate the events that marked one of the most ambitious attacks carried out by ISIS against Tunisian institutions and, on the other, a firm opposition by the population against terrorism.
Visiting Ben Guerdane on Wednesday, Prime Minister Youssef Chahed decided to designate March 7 of each year “National Day of Victory over Terrorism”.
“This great episode has come to write a new chapter in the militant history of the Tunisian people for the glory and integrity of the country,” Chahed said on the 2nd anniversary of Ben Guerdane’s epic battle.
“The city of Ben Guerdane is now rooted in the hearts and minds of all Tunisians,” he added.
“This victory is unequalled even in countries that have fought against terrorism,” he pointed out.
“This epic is a masterful lesson that has echoed beyond the borders of Tunisia. It carries a highly significant message that the war on terror is not only the preserve of the military and security forces, but is also motivated by the deep conviction of the people that this battle is that of their survival,” he added.
TunisianMonitorOnline
