Reply #48: Tunisia fears Libya conflict spillover

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Source: Magharebia

2011-05-02

Pro-Kadhafi forces' incursion into Tunisia sent shockwaves through the population and the country is up in arms to defend its sovereignty.

By Monia Ghanmi for Magharebia in Tunis – 02/05/11


The security situation on the Tunisia-Libya border has deteriorated significantly in recent days due to the hit-and-run war between Libyan rebels and forces loyal to Moamer Kadhafi, especially near the Dhiba border crossing.

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Pro-Kadhafi troops last week chased rebels across the border, sending at least a dozen shells onto Tunisian soil. Fifteen vehicles belonging to Kadhafi's battalions entered the country, firing in the direction of Dhiba. The Tunisian military halted their advance and captured their weapons.


Three Tunisians, including a young girl, were injured. Journalist Habib Missaoui confirmed on Thursday (April 28th) that an army soldier and a security officer were wounded as well.

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"We are afraid that the missiles will be targeted at us as innocent civilians," resident Mabrouka Haddaoui told Magharebia. "Thanks to God, in the previous two bombings we were not hurt, but in the future this conflict could be a threat to our safety."

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"It is really scary, we cannot take it anymore," said Zouhaeir Tlili. "Our children have suffered terror and panic and are afraid to go to school. The Tunisian government must take a firm and clear position towards what is happening."

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http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2011/05/02/feature-01