Israel Issues Severe Travel Warning for Tunisia, Citing 'Global Jihad'
Counter-Terrorism Bureau issues warning in light of continued terror attacks against a variety of targets in the country
Israel's Counter-Terrorism Bureau has upgraded its travel warning for Tunisia.
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"Terrorists, including those aligned with the global jihad movement, continue to carry out attacks against a variety of targets in Tunisia," the bureau said a statement.
After assessing the situation, the bureau warns of a risk of attacks ahead of the Lag B'Omer festivities that are due to take place the Tunisian island of Djerba between May 14 and 15. Attacks could also include Jewish targets, the statement said.
Israel issued a similar warning last year before the holiday. Those who opted to visit the 2,500-year-old Ghriba synagogue on the island did so under the eyes of soldiers guarding the area. Special forces also carried out vehicle and hotel checks.
In 2002, 21 tourists were killed in a terror attack at the site, a month before Lag B'Omer.
In view of the severity of the threat, the bureau recommends that Israeli citizens refrain from visiting Tunisia, and that those already in the country leave immediately.