Seven tourists killed in Tunisia museum attack

Armed men have killed seven tourists and a Tunisian citizen in an attack on a museum in Tunisia’s capital Tunis, according the Interior Ministry spokesperson.

“There are eight victims”, including “seven foreigners”, Mohamed Ali Aroui, the ministry spokesperson, said.

“Forces are being deployed. There are two or more attackers and hostages are still being held.”

He added that the assault was carried out by “terrorists armed with Kalashnikovs”.

The Bardo Museum is located adjacent to the museum.

It was evacuated right after the attack and politicians said gunfire could be heard at the scene, according to state TV reports.

Journalist Yasmine Ryan, reporting from Tunis, told Al Jazeera that ambulances are going in and out of the museum area cordoned off by the security forces. 

“More than 15 police officers on guard at the entrance of the museum and all roads leading to the area are cordoned off,” she said.