US warns citizens against terror threat in Tunisia

The US embassy in Tunisia has warned American citizens in the north African country against a major terrorist attack.

In a statement on Saturday, US citizens were warned by the embassy to keep away from the Tunisia Mall in the capital Tunis on Sunday, as a "report of unknown credibility indicates the possibility of a terrorist attack."

The warning was preceded by a travel warning on Thursday, where the embassy advised Americans to avoid visiting the country over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday.

“The Department of State notes that threats to US citizens may temporarily increase during holidays and anniversaries of significant events,” the warning read.

US citizens were also advised to steer clear from tourist attractions and large gatherings in the African country.

Tunisia is currently under a state of emergency following the November 24 bomb attack in Tunis that targeted a bus belonging to the presidential guard, killing 12 of them.

The bombing prompted President Beji Caid Essebsi to declare a 30-day state of emergency across the country.

The deadly blast came on the heels of two major militant attacks that killed some 60 people, which were claimed by members of Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group operating mainly in Syria and Iraq.

Tunisia has been plagued with violence since the 2011 uprising, which ousted former dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who had been in power for over two decades.

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