Tunisia says busts terrorist group before attacks

By Yosra Ouanes

TUNIS

Tunisia has arrested an eight-member terrorist cell planning attacks in the country, according to the Interior Ministry on Wednesday.

In a statement, the ministry said security forces had busted a group dubbed "Jihad and Tawhid Battalion" and foiled its plans to carry out terrorist attacks in the central Sidi Bouzid province.

Explosive materials and grenade bombs were found in possession of the group that had planned to target security patrols and facilities in the area.

The suspects were taken into custody for interrogation.

On Saturday, seven people were sentenced to prison after being convicted of forming a cell to produce improvised explosives in Sidi Bouzid.

Tunisia has witnessed several terrorist attacks in recent years that claimed dozens of lives of security forces and tourists.