Tunisia Anti-Terrorism Efforts: Border security heightened after reports of ISIL chief in Libya

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02:49

The head of the Islamic State has appeared for the first time in five years in a propaganda video released by the armed group. The British Royal Air Force is reportedly searching for the terrorist leader in Libya. Tunisia's security forces are also on high alert. Adnen Chaouachi has more.

Five years ago, the leader the terrorist organization ISIL, Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi proclaimed from Iraq, his so-called caliphate.

Al-Baghdadi appeared in a propaganda video early May.

Some intelligence reports claim that the terrorist leader is present in Libya.

SOFIEN ZAAG SPOKESPERSON, TUNISIAN INTERIOR MINISTRY "Tunisian authorities are extremely vigilant following the circulation of this information. The border zones with Libya are secure with to the trench filled with saltwater and topped with a sand dune. It protects Tunisia from perils on the Libyan side of the border. The land and sea border are also under control."

The Interior Ministry spokesman added that security has been tightened at the border crossings of Dehiba, in the governorate of Tataouine and Ras Jedir, governorate of Ben Guerdane.

SOFIEN ZAAG SPOKESPERSON, TUNISIAN INTERIOR MINISTRY "The Interior Ministry has provided more agents and logistical means to prevent any entry of terrorists from Libya into Tunisia. Any fake documents used by suspected terrorists will be identified."

The Head of the Tunisian Institute for Strategic studies asserts that ISIL's defeat and demise is imminent in Syria, Iraq and Libya.

However, "Lone Wolves" or Lone Actor terrorists who are returning from conflict zones pose a threat to national security.

NEJI JALLOUL HEAD, TUNISIAN INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES "Dealing with ISIL returnees from war zones is a real problem. These individuals are extremely dangerous even if they are isolated from their terror organizations. Al Qaeda in the Maghreb has recruited many of the Daesh militants."

Following the meeting of the National Security Council at Carthage Palace, President Beji Caid Essebsi extended the state of emergency in Tunisia for one additional month in order to provide the legal framework for anti-terrorism units to arrest, detain and neutralize ISIL and other terror cells.

ADNEN CHAOUACHI TUNIS "A state of emergency has been declared since November 2015 and extended several times, following the ISIL terrorist attack on a Presidential Guard bus. ISIL, under al-Baghdadi's so-called leadership, also killed Tunisian and foreign civilians in the Bardo Museum and in the beach resort of Sousse. ADNEN CHAOUACHI, CGTN, TUNIS."