2019 Tunis bombings

The first suicide bombing happened near the French embassy on Charles de Gaulle street in Tunis. The attacker targeted a police patrol killing one officer and injuring four including another officer and three civilians.^[3] The second attack happened when the bomber blew up at a national guard base in al-Qarjani district of Tunis.^[4]

Later in that day, the Islamic State claimed responsibility.^[5] The attack took place the same day Beji Caid Essebsi was taken to the hospital in critical condition for a serious health condition,^[6] and a day after a four year anniversary of a mass shooting attack at two Sousse hotels.^[7]

As a result of these attacks, on 5 July 2019, Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed banned the wearing of the niqab – a full-face veil – in public institutions with immediate effect, citing security reasons. The decision came at a time of heightened security in the country. The attack was the third such incident within a week and came at the peak of tourist season as Tunisia prepared for an autumn parliamentary election.^[8]