Tunisia, at present

On Sept. 14, 2012, violent mobs caused extensive property damage in Tunisia during an attack on the US Embassy and the American Cooperative School of Tunis. During the past year, two prominent Tunisian opposition party leaders were assassinated on separate occasions, Feb. 6 and July 25, respectively, which inspired large though generally peaceful demonstrations throughout the country. 

Tunisian security forces have also been targeted, including with bombs directed against vehicles belonging to security forces. In recent months, Tunisian security forces have conducted raids on locations throughout Tunisia, including greater Tunis, and confiscated illegal arms caches. Several suspects have been arrested or killed during these operations. 

A “state of emergency” declared by the government of Tunisia remains in effect.