The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on the Tunisian museum on Wednesday. 23 individuals died and more than 40 were wounded at the hands of two gunmen, now dead, whom ISIS alleges are militants.
Twitter accounts linked to ISIS posted audio clips that said the two dead gunmen were Abu Zakaria al-Tunisi and Abu Anas al-Tunisi of the Islamic State. The audio message stated that the two IS gunmen were heavily armed in order to target the Bardo Museum in Tunisia.
"The blessed operation led to the killing of scores of infidels and apostates, and the failing security forces did not dare to even approach until after the two heroes ran out of ammunition," said the audio message.
Wednesday's attack lead to a 3 hour standoff between the gunmen and security. The two gunmen were killed at the end of the standoff, and nine individuals were arrested for direct relation to, or suspected relation to, the attack.
Many of the victims were western tourists. The United States is currently working to verify the authenticity of the IS claims made on twitter.
ISIS threatens Tunisia with further attacks until the nation is governed by Islam. "What you have seen today is the first drop of the rain, Allah permitting. You will not enjoy security nor be pleased with peace while the Islamic State has men like these who do not sleep amidst grievances," said the audio message in reference to the museum attack.
The Bardo Museum is a center for cultural and art history, drawing viewers from around Central and Western Europe. ISIS has been known to target important historical and cultural locations, including historical religious monuments.
The President of Tunisia Beji Caid Essebsi addressed the nation on television in response to the attacks. "These monstrous minorities do not frighten us," he said. "We will resist them until the deepest end without mercy. Democracy will win and it will survive."
