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Terror attacks: separate attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait leave more than 60 dead – as it happened Terror attacks: separate attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait leave more than 60 dead – as it happened
(30 days later)
11.58pm BST11.58pm BST
23:5823:58
Here are the latest updates on what we know on all three attacks.Here are the latest updates on what we know on all three attacks.
We’ll be shutting down the live blog for now, but keep checking back for more coverage on The Guardian.We’ll be shutting down the live blog for now, but keep checking back for more coverage on The Guardian.
11.41pm BST11.41pm BST
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Tunisian president: 'This is worse than terrible'Tunisian president: 'This is worse than terrible'
Apparently, Tunisian president Beji Caid Essebsi spoke to journalists outside the Imperial Marhaba hotel earlier today, after visiting survivors and victims of the attack, all while wearing his sunglasses (video in Arabic here).Apparently, Tunisian president Beji Caid Essebsi spoke to journalists outside the Imperial Marhaba hotel earlier today, after visiting survivors and victims of the attack, all while wearing his sunglasses (video in Arabic here).
Tunisia cannot stand up to the jihadist threat alone, Essebsi said, calling for a unified global strategy.Tunisia cannot stand up to the jihadist threat alone, Essebsi said, calling for a unified global strategy.
“We note that Tunisia faces an international movement. It cannot respond alone to this. On the same day at the same time France has been the target of such an operation, and Kuwait too,” Essebsi later told AFP.“We note that Tunisia faces an international movement. It cannot respond alone to this. On the same day at the same time France has been the target of such an operation, and Kuwait too,” Essebsi later told AFP.
“This proves the need for a global strategy, and that all democratic countries must now join forces.”“This proves the need for a global strategy, and that all democratic countries must now join forces.”
“This is worse than terrible,” he said of the attack which so far has killed 38 people, mostly foreign tourists.“We thought we were protected from that. ... I hope this is the last time, because we are determined to take the most painful measures to deal with an even more painful scourge.”“This is worse than terrible,” he said of the attack which so far has killed 38 people, mostly foreign tourists.“We thought we were protected from that. ... I hope this is the last time, because we are determined to take the most painful measures to deal with an even more painful scourge.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.45pm BSTat 11.45pm BST
11.06pm BST11.06pm BST
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More than eight hours after the attacks in Sousse, and there has still been no address to the nation from Tunisian officials ...More than eight hours after the attacks in Sousse, and there has still been no address to the nation from Tunisian officials ...
10.53pm BST10.53pm BST
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Tunisian television and journalists on social media are showing crowds in Sousse, chanting: “Free Tunisia” and “Terrorism Out”:Tunisian television and journalists on social media are showing crowds in Sousse, chanting: “Free Tunisia” and “Terrorism Out”:
La Tunisie libre, le terrorisme dehors, slogan du rassemblement à #Sousse après l'attentat #Tunisie pic.twitter.com/JZPzPaTzWWLa Tunisie libre, le terrorisme dehors, slogan du rassemblement à #Sousse après l'attentat #Tunisie pic.twitter.com/JZPzPaTzWW
Crowds in Sousse, via Tunisia News Network (TNN)Crowds in Sousse, via Tunisia News Network (TNN)
10.43pm BST10.43pm BST
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The Tunisian tourism industry has issued a list of useful phone numbers for those looking for more information in Sousse:The Tunisian tourism industry has issued a list of useful phone numbers for those looking for more information in Sousse:
Numéros de cellule de crise du Ministère du Tourisme pr familles des victimes et blessés #AttaqueSousse #Tunisie pic.twitter.com/oqHhOvcja5Numéros de cellule de crise du Ministère du Tourisme pr familles des victimes et blessés #AttaqueSousse #Tunisie pic.twitter.com/oqHhOvcja5
And in English here:And in English here:
@Psycke @AhlemHC I tried to translate it for the anglophones #Sousse #CellCrisis #Victims #Hotline #Information pic.twitter.com/cTv61baafm@Psycke @AhlemHC I tried to translate it for the anglophones #Sousse #CellCrisis #Victims #Hotline #Information pic.twitter.com/cTv61baafm
10.15pm BST10.15pm BST
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Tunisia attack: 38 dead, 36 woundedTunisia attack: 38 dead, 36 wounded
Chris Stephen has also just spoken with Tunisian health minister Said Aidi, who confirmed there were now 38 dead and 36 wounded, eight of whom are in critical condition.Chris Stephen has also just spoken with Tunisian health minister Said Aidi, who confirmed there were now 38 dead and 36 wounded, eight of whom are in critical condition.
He also reports that all the Britons in the RUI Imperial Marhaba hotel are being flown back tonight to Gatwick, Doncaster and Manchester airports.He also reports that all the Britons in the RUI Imperial Marhaba hotel are being flown back tonight to Gatwick, Doncaster and Manchester airports.
10.11pm BST10.11pm BST
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Irish woman killed in Sousse namedIrish woman killed in Sousse named
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
The Irishwoman killed in the Tunisian terror attack was named on Friday night as Lorna Carty, a nurse and mother of two from County Meath.The Irishwoman killed in the Tunisian terror attack was named on Friday night as Lorna Carty, a nurse and mother of two from County Meath.
She had been in the Tunisian resort with her husband Declan who had recently undergone heart surgery. It is understood the couple were given the holiday as a present from a family member to help with his recuperation.She had been in the Tunisian resort with her husband Declan who had recently undergone heart surgery. It is understood the couple were given the holiday as a present from a family member to help with his recuperation.
Ray Butler, a parliamentarian with the main party in the ruling Irish coalition, Fine Gael, confirmed he had spoken to the husband of the murdered woman.Ray Butler, a parliamentarian with the main party in the ruling Irish coalition, Fine Gael, confirmed he had spoken to the husband of the murdered woman.
“This was the hardest phone call I’ve ever taken. My heart goes out to the family who are enduring unthinkable grief,” Butler said on Friday.“This was the hardest phone call I’ve ever taken. My heart goes out to the family who are enduring unthinkable grief,” Butler said on Friday.
10.04pm BST10.04pm BST
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Chris StephenChris Stephen
My colleague Chris Stephen has this latest dispatch from Sousse:My colleague Chris Stephen has this latest dispatch from Sousse:
One couple from Kent told the Guardian they had been relaxing on their sunbeds when they heard what they believed at first to be fireworks, and saw a man running along the sand with what looked like a machine gun.One couple from Kent told the Guardian they had been relaxing on their sunbeds when they heard what they believed at first to be fireworks, and saw a man running along the sand with what looked like a machine gun.
“He was shouting something, I don’t know what he was shouting,” said Glenn Whitehead, a scaffolder from Swanley, Kent. He shouted at his wife Anita to run, as bullets flew around them. A person lying next to them fell dead, he said.“He was shouting something, I don’t know what he was shouting,” said Glenn Whitehead, a scaffolder from Swanley, Kent. He shouted at his wife Anita to run, as bullets flew around them. A person lying next to them fell dead, he said.
The couple heard bullets close to their head, and Mrs Whitehead tripped in the sand as others ran screaming beside them. Staff from the hotel’s spa beckoned them inside, where about 20 other tourists and staff were waiting.The couple heard bullets close to their head, and Mrs Whitehead tripped in the sand as others ran screaming beside them. Staff from the hotel’s spa beckoned them inside, where about 20 other tourists and staff were waiting.
The couple said they waited for perhaps 20 minutes before they were led outside by staff, to find bodies lying by the hotel pool and in the foyer, amid pools of blood.The couple said they waited for perhaps 20 minutes before they were led outside by staff, to find bodies lying by the hotel pool and in the foyer, amid pools of blood.
“I looked around the beach and all I could see were dead people covered in towels,” said Mr Whitehead. There was also a body on the sunbed next to the ones they had been using. “Where we were lying were a German mother and daughter. When I got back one of them was covered over, dead.”“I looked around the beach and all I could see were dead people covered in towels,” said Mr Whitehead. There was also a body on the sunbed next to the ones they had been using. “Where we were lying were a German mother and daughter. When I got back one of them was covered over, dead.”
“There was a lot of people who couldn’t get off their sunbeds,” his wife said. “They were elderly.”“There was a lot of people who couldn’t get off their sunbeds,” his wife said. “They were elderly.”
Read the full report by Chris Stephen in Sousse, Julian Borger and Esther Addley.Read the full report by Chris Stephen in Sousse, Julian Borger and Esther Addley.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.10pm BSTat 10.10pm BST
9.55pm BST9.55pm BST
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US secretary of state John Kerry and Brett McGurk, the US envoy to the coalition to combat Isis have both commented on the trio of terror attacks:US secretary of state John Kerry and Brett McGurk, the US envoy to the coalition to combat Isis have both commented on the trio of terror attacks:
Thinking of victims of attacks in #France #Kuwait #Somalia #Tunisia. Such acts will not deter us in our shared fight against terrorism.Thinking of victims of attacks in #France #Kuwait #Somalia #Tunisia. Such acts will not deter us in our shared fight against terrorism.
McGurk even mentioned the Kurdis enclave of Kobani, Syria where Isis launched suicidal attacks, which was saved at great cost last year from an Isis onslaught. There were reports of 150 dead and more than 100 held hostage there on Friday.McGurk even mentioned the Kurdis enclave of Kobani, Syria where Isis launched suicidal attacks, which was saved at great cost last year from an Isis onslaught. There were reports of 150 dead and more than 100 held hostage there on Friday.
Cowardly terrorist attacks in #Kobani, #Kuwait, #Tunisia, and #France, will not be forgotten. Those responsible will be brought to justice.Cowardly terrorist attacks in #Kobani, #Kuwait, #Tunisia, and #France, will not be forgotten. Those responsible will be brought to justice.
9.42pm BST9.42pm BST
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Kuwait attack: at least 27 dead, 227 woundedKuwait attack: at least 27 dead, 227 wounded
The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) has reported a revised death toll from the Health Ministry for Friday’s deadly Imam al-Sadiq mosque blast:The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) has reported a revised death toll from the Health Ministry for Friday’s deadly Imam al-Sadiq mosque blast:
At least 27 people were killed – up from 25 earlier in the day. There were 227 wounded, taken to area hospitals.At least 27 people were killed – up from 25 earlier in the day. There were 227 wounded, taken to area hospitals.
Kuwait has apparently declared Saturday (27 June) a national day of mourning for the victims of the mosque attack.Kuwait has apparently declared Saturday (27 June) a national day of mourning for the victims of the mosque attack.
9.16pm BST9.16pm BST
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Several more people on social media are looking for their relatives, who are believed to have been at the scene of the terror attack in Sousse on Friday:Several more people on social media are looking for their relatives, who are believed to have been at the scene of the terror attack in Sousse on Friday:
Haven't spoke to my Dad since the attack, please, please, please RT as he is missing along with his partner #Tunisia pic.twitter.com/s1Mp2loO1WHaven't spoke to my Dad since the attack, please, please, please RT as he is missing along with his partner #Tunisia pic.twitter.com/s1Mp2loO1W
If you're in #Tunisia #ImperialMaharba and you've seen this man, please let me know he's safe. #FindJohnStocker pic.twitter.com/BL4fs62FnoIf you're in #Tunisia #ImperialMaharba and you've seen this man, please let me know he's safe. #FindJohnStocker pic.twitter.com/BL4fs62Fno
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.17pm BSTat 9.17pm BST
9.08pm BST9.08pm BST
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Here’s what we know so far on all three attacks:Here’s what we know so far on all three attacks:
8.53pm BST8.53pm BST
20:5320:53
Angelique ChrisafisAngelique Chrisafis
The slaughter of sunbathers and hotel staff on the beaches of a country that has always prided itself as a carefree, laid-back destination for package holiday-makers has dealt a huge blow to Tunisia.The slaughter of sunbathers and hotel staff on the beaches of a country that has always prided itself as a carefree, laid-back destination for package holiday-makers has dealt a huge blow to Tunisia.
... “I think the effect of this will be even more serious than the effect of the Bardo attack in March,” said Monica Marks, a North Africa analyst based in Tunis. “Not all tourists who come to Tunisia want to visit the Bardo museum: a lot more — particularly the German and British — are Vitamin D tourists who want to spend time on the beach.... “I think the effect of this will be even more serious than the effect of the Bardo attack in March,” said Monica Marks, a North Africa analyst based in Tunis. “Not all tourists who come to Tunisia want to visit the Bardo museum: a lot more — particularly the German and British — are Vitamin D tourists who want to spend time on the beach.
“Sousse has the most package tourism of any other Tunisian resort on the coast,” she added. “Images of tourists dead across sunloungers will have a considerable effect. Tourism accounted for around 14.5% of Tunisian GDP last year. This will have considerable repercussions for the Tunisian economy. It also will also affect investor confidence.”“Sousse has the most package tourism of any other Tunisian resort on the coast,” she added. “Images of tourists dead across sunloungers will have a considerable effect. Tourism accounted for around 14.5% of Tunisian GDP last year. This will have considerable repercussions for the Tunisian economy. It also will also affect investor confidence.”
Marks said that the attack on this scale could spark a loss of confidence in the government and dent its authority.Marks said that the attack on this scale could spark a loss of confidence in the government and dent its authority.
Read the full report hereRead the full report here
8.45pm BST8.45pm BST
20:4520:45
Meanwhile, John Yeoman who had earlier tweeted out details of the attack in Sousse as it unfolded, has now criticised Thompson Holidays for not doing enough to help him:Meanwhile, John Yeoman who had earlier tweeted out details of the attack in Sousse as it unfolded, has now criticised Thompson Holidays for not doing enough to help him:
@ThomsonCares I'm here at the Rui belle view and had to run for my life. Now why can Germans and Dutch go home and I don't know what to do@ThomsonCares I'm here at the Rui belle view and had to run for my life. Now why can Germans and Dutch go home and I don't know what to do
8.40pm BST8.40pm BST
20:4020:40
Twitter user Conor Fulford has tweeted out a plea for help finding his mum using #FindSueDavey:Twitter user Conor Fulford has tweeted out a plea for help finding his mum using #FindSueDavey:
#FindSueDavey #Tunisia haven't spoke to my mom since attack an phone has been handed in please RT !! pic.twitter.com/RfwQQv49le#FindSueDavey #Tunisia haven't spoke to my mom since attack an phone has been handed in please RT !! pic.twitter.com/RfwQQv49le
8.37pm BST
20:37
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the UN Security Council condemned the trio of attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France on Friday. Ban called for justice, and said the UN’s commitment to fight extremism had only been strengthened.
“Far from weakening the international community’s resolve to fight the scourge of terrorism, these heinous attacks will only strengthen the commitment of the United Nations to help defeat those bent on murder, destruction and the annihilation of human development and culture,” UN spokesman Farhan Haq said.
8.09pm BST
20:09
The Riu Imperial Marhaba has issued an update on their website:
First thing tomorrow we expect to have the exact death toll and the nationalities of the victims.
As per now we can confirm that there are 13 injured persons who were taken to area hospitals, including 9 guests and 4 hotel employees. We have been informed that their injuries are not life-trheatening and all are recovering.
The hotel group has said that it has organied psychological support services for all guests who might need assistance, in coordination with the Tunisian authorities.
7.52pm BST
19:52
The US and UK are ramping up internal security measures after a trio of deadly terror attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait.
Police in London are putting in place additional security measures for events this weekend, including Armed Forces Day and Pride London, said senior counter-terror officer Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball said.
Meanwhile, in the US, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says his department is encouraging law enforcement “to be vigilant and prepared” ahead of the July 4th holiday in the US. He says U.S. authorities will adjust security measures, including those unseen by the public, as necessary.
Johnson says people should attend Independence Day events as planned but “remain vigilant” and report any suspicious activity.
7.42pm BST
19:42
Tunisia attack: UK confirms 'at least five Britons dead'
Speaking after chairing a meeting of the Government’s Cobra committee and following talks with tour operators, a sombre Mr Hammond confirmed the British fatalities. He told reporters at the Foreign Office:
I would like to offer my condolences to the families and friends of the victims of these three shocking terrorist incidents in Tunisia, Kuwait and France.
Turning to the incident in Tunisia which is of most direct concern to people in this country because of the number of Britons involved, it is clear that there have been a number of people killed.
The situation on the ground is still somewhat confused and we can’t be sure exactly how many, but because of the nature of the composition of the tourist population in this part of Tunisia we have to assume that a high proportion of those killed and injured will have been British.
We have had reports from families of those involved in the incident that allow us to confirm that at least five Britons have been killed in this incident, but I should warn that we must expect that there will be more reports of fatalities as we establish the detail on the ground.”
Hammond said that there was a consular team in Sousse, with two rapid response teams travelling to the region overnight.
7.37pm BST
19:37
Meanwhile, travel companies in the UK have offered tourists the chance to change their holiday bookings to Tunisia:
Thomas Cook said customers due to travel between today and Sunday can cancel their holidays free of charge, while those flying out from Monday up to July 24 can amend bookings for holidays to Tunisia free of charge. People booked through Monarch or Cosmos Holidays in the next seven days can also choose not to travel and instead change their destination.
7.31pm BST
19:31
The deadly attack in Sousse is the second blow to the country’s tourism industry in four months. But the attacks have not deterred some Irish holiday-makers already in Tunisia or on their way to the north African country, writes my colleague Lisa O’Carroll:
Tanya Airey, managing director of Irish travel agent Sunway, told RTE radio it was going ahead with a charter flight operated by national airline Aer Lingus on Friday evening.
It had delayed the flight by three hours and had given the 170 customers waiting in Dublin Airport the option of cancelling.
She said: “59 people took up the offer, 112 people are travelling out and have decided to carry on with their holiday.”
“It’s horrific for the country and safety for our customers is paramount - we go by the advice by the department of Foreign Affairs”.
7.26pm BST
19:26
The US State Department said on Friday there was no evidence so far the terrorist attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait were coordinated.
7.19pm BST
19:19
British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has said that at least five British tourists were killed in the gun attack on the Tunisian beach resort, Press Association is reporting.
Mr Hammond warned that the death toll could rise and said a “high proportion” of the casualties were expected to be British “because of the nature of the resort”.
7.14pm BST
19:14
My colleague Chris Stephen has tweeted the following updates from Sousse:
Sousse - hotel is calm, full of police and army, tourists in shock sitting around in groups.
Sousse - bodies have been collected in breach front restaurant some were killed as they lay on sun loungers
Follow him on Twitter @reportingLibya
7.06pm BST
19:06
Ireland’s Foreign Minister has warned there may be more Irish tourists killed in the Tunisian beach terror massacre, reports my colleague in Dublin, Henry McDonald:
Minister Charlie Flanagan said tonight: “There were a number of Irish people in the hotel, in the vicinity, every effort is being made to make contact with them.
“I can’t exclude the possibility that there are other Irish fatalities in this indiscriminate act.”
Flanagan said the Irish Ambassador to Tunisia is on his way to the Sousse area to help out Irish tourists there.
One woman in her 50s from County Meath was killed in the attack on the beach. On other Irish tourists on their way to Tunisia tonight and over the weekend, the minister said his advice was “to exercise the most extreme caution, the situation is very volatile.”