Local media in Tunis said
Wednesday that up to 22 people were likely killed in Wednesday's
terror attack there, even as Tunisian Premier Habib Essid said
19 people were dead.
The fatalities were initially thought to include 17
hostages - likely tourists on day trips from cruise ships - and
two terrorists.
The casualties also included two Italians, according to
reports from Al-Jazeera.
Premier Matteo Renzi the terror attack has struck a blow to
moderation in political and social life, and hurts everyone.
"Wherever there is an attempt to kill moderation, a blow is
struck against every one of us and against patriotic and
cultural commonality," Renzi said.
Tunisia, the birthplace of the Arab Spring, "has acquired
an innovative institutional framework as corroborated by recent
elections", he said.
The attack took place "in a symbolic place, a place of
culture that was next to parliament," Renzi said.
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