Forensic officers work on a blast site near the US Embassy in Tunis, Friday, March 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Riadh Dridi)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 1:37 PM PT — Friday, March 6, 2020
A police officer was killed and at least six others were injured Friday after a pair of suicide bombers blew themselves up outside the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia. According to officials, two attackers on motorbikes targeted a security patrol on the street leading to the embassy.
Damaged vehicles could reportedly be seen on the road following the bombing.
Breaking | A suicide bomber on motorcycle blows himself up outside #USembassy in #Tunisia.
"Emergency personnel are responding to an explosion that occurred near the U.S. Embassy in Tunis. Please avoid the area and monitor local media for updates."- U.S. Embassy Tunis pic.twitter.com/EANfCTUUDG
— Jammu-Kashmir Now (@JammuKashmirNow) March 6, 2020
Witnesses described the incident, which some have deemed the country’s most serious attack in months.
“I heard a large bang while I was working at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates. I went up to the roof to see what happened and saw that there had been a strong blast in front. One of my colleagues was at a bank nearby withdrawing money, and when he went outside he saw human remains scattered everywhere. He was hysterical. That’s when police intervened.” – Unnamed witness
Police officers guard the blast site near the US Embassy in Tunis, Friday, March 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Riadh Dridi)
Officials confirmed five police officers and one civilian were hurt. Shortly after the incident, Ambassador Donald Blome released a statement.
“I would like to thank the Tunisian authorities for their immediate protection of the U.S. Embassy today, as well as their rapid response in investigating the situation. We are outraged by the attack and saddened to learn of the loss of Lieutenant Taoufik Missaoui, and offer sincere condolences to his family and colleagues. We also wish for a speedy recovery to the brave Tunisian officers who were injured. All personnel at the U.S. Embassy are safe and accounted for. The Tunisian security forces were professional and thorough. We reaffirm our commitment to our longstanding friendship with Tunisia and our alliance with them against the scourge of terrorism.” – Donald Blome, United States Ambassador to Tunisia
No one has come forward to claim responsibility for the attack. The investigation remains underway.
Emergency personnel are responding to an explosion that occurred near the U.S. Embassy in Tunis. Please avoid the area and monitor local media for updates.
— U.S. Embassy Tunis (@usembassytunis) March 6, 2020