TUNIS, Tunisia, March 18 (UPI) -- Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid said 19 people were killed, including 17 tourists, in Wednesday's attacks on the Bardo Museum.
Update 12:20 p.m. EST:
Two of the gunmen were killed when the siege ended but it is believed there are up to three other accomplices who are being sought by police.
A Tunisian security officer and a female custodian were among the dead. The killed tourists were from Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain, according to Essid. Two Tunisians and 22 tourists were also injured.
"Many are taking opportunities to undermine our homeland," Essid said. "We will act relentlessly, without mercy."
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that the attack on Tunisia was not by chance but because the country represents hope in the Arab world.
Original story follows:
At least seven people have died, reportedly tourists, after gunmen attacked Tunisia's parliament and an adjacent museum.
Police in Tunisia and gunmen have exchanged gunfire at the country's parliament while it was in session. An apparent hostage situation is taking place in the museum, where interior ministry spokesman said two gunmen are being surrounded by security forces.
Radio Mosaique radio station reported that three men dressed in military-like uniforms took hostages in the museum.
Reports indicate that some gunmen were chased away from a nearby museumand then moved to the parliament building, which police are working to evacuate.
Some reports state the gunmen entered the museum through the parliament.
"In addition to members of parliament, the minister of justice, some judges, and several high level army offices were at the location," Sayida Ounissi, a member of parliament, tweeted. "The neighborhood is in the process of being cordoned off; there is one armed man, maybe several on the museum side, there has been exchange of gunfire and probably hostages."
