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48 U.S.-made armored Humvees delivered to the Tunisian Army (ceremony on June 4 at El Aouina military base) to bolster security operations, joint exercises, and rapid-response missions, particularly along the borders with Algeria and Libya.
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Vehicle capabilities: High-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (Humvees) used for troop transport, medical evacuations, combat patrols; reliable in harsh desert environments. Top speed: 113 kph; range: ~400 km per tank; 38+ cm ground clearance. Fit inside C-130s and can be parachute-delivered for rapid deployment. Armored versions can mount machine guns, grenade launchers, and anti-tank missile systems.
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Official statements: Tunisian MoD said the vehicles enhance operational capabilities, border protection, and counter-terrorism/smuggling efforts, and strengthen U.S.-Tunisia military cooperation. U.S. Ambassador Bill Bazzi called security cooperation a cornerstone of the 229-year diplomatic relationship and a boost to regional stability.
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Previous U.S. deliveries: First batch of 52 Humvees in 2015; $1.4 million in counterterrorism equipment (Dec 2025); two 34-meter Island-class patrol boats (2025) for coastline security; a C-130 Hercules (Jan 2026, fourth since 2021); and a reported planned purchase of 20-meter Archangel patrol boats (~$110 million) with GPS, navigation, training.
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Recent terror/security threats: In February 2026, IS claimed a landmine attack that killed four Tunisian soldiers and a shepherd near Jebel Meghila. In May 2023, a gunman attacked a synagogue on Djerba (2 worshippers, 3 officers killed). This year, military stopped an attack near a weekly market and killed IS offshoot leader Seddik El Abidi; later dismantled a 4-member terror cell near Algerian border (one detonated suicide vest).
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Broader counter-terror operations: On June 18, authorities dismantled two international criminal networks (drugs, money laundering, extortion, killings), arresting 25 and seizing cash, drugs, luxury cars, motorcycles, and boats. In 2025, Tunisia dismantled 62 terrorist cells, arrested 2,038 extremists, and recorded 2,058 terrorist-related acts.
