(VOVworld) - Tunisian President Beji Caid on Wednesday strongly condemned the deadly attack at Bardo Museum in the capital Tunis that killed 19 people and pledged to do the utmost to prevent similar terror attacks.
In his address after the end of the campaign to rescue hostages, Caid called the attack “deplorable” and sent his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. He noted that the Tunisian government has immediately deployed possible measures to prevent similar acts and vowed to fight terrorism ‘without mercy’.
Prime Minister Habid Essid called the attack a plot targeting Tunisia’s economy and tourism industry and called on Tunisian people to unite to protect the country against terrorism. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attack on Tunisia's national museum "in the strongest terms" and sent his deep condolences to victims’ families.
 French President Francois Hollande expressed his country's "solidarity" with Tunisia after the brazen attack. US Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington praised the Tunisian government’s promptly response to the attack, affirming that the US will continue to stand with the Tunisian authorities to ensure security and prosperity in Tunisia.
On Wednesday gunmen with military outfit shot a bus station outside the National Bardo museum and arrested many hostages when they were encircled. According to the National Television Channel, 17 tourists of various nationalities and two Tunisians were killed in the attack. Foreign tourists include 5 from Japan, 4 Italy, 2 Columbia and others from Australia, France, Poland, and Spain. Two Tunisians, one a police officer, were among the victims. Tunisian security forces killed 2 gunmen.