Gunmen in military clothing have killed visitors to the National Bardo Museum in Tunis and held others hostage after attacking the nearby Parliament building, according to local news sources. At least seven foreign tourists were killed in the attack and Italian, British, French and Spanish nationals are among the hostages, reports the BBC. The Italian foreign ministry has confirmed that two Italians were among those injured. A spokesman from the Tunisian interior ministry said that the attack involved two or more “terrorists armed with Kalashnikovs”. Local police have reportedly killed two of the gunmen and all hostages have been freed.
The Bardo, Tunisia’s main museum, which is housed in a 19th-century Beylic palace, is known for its impressive collection of Roman mosaics. It is less than 500ft from the Parliament building. Lawmakers were reportedly discussing anti-terrorism legislation prior to the attack. The country has experienced a rise in the number violent extremist organisations following the Arab Spring.