Mohammad al-Zawahri
Photo: AFP
Tunisia FM: more evidence of foreign involvement in murder of Hamas terrorist
During a press conference, journalists told that Tunisian nationals were enlisted into the plot via an internet site under the guise of a communications company; 'The sovereignty of Tunisia is a red line,' says foreign minister.
The Tunisian Interior Minister convened a press conference on Monday providing a briefing on the latest developments in the ongoing investigation into the recent assassination of Mohammad al-Zawahri, a Hamas flight engineer who specialized in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
According to the minister, there is evidence supporting the notion of involvement of a foreign organization in the murder.
The announcement comes just one day after the country issued an official statement attributing al-Zawahri’s death to ‘foreign elements.’
Mohammad al-Zawahri
“The elimination plan was precise and meticulous and began last June outside Tunisia,” the minister told the journalists. “A few Tunisians were enlisted via an internet site by a foreign individual under the guise of a communications company looking for help making documentaries for a Malaysian channel. They were then introduced to another foreign individual of Arab origin.”
Turning to the assassination itself, the minister said “We were helped by security cameras close to (al-Zawahri’s) house to trace the operation. There were two plans and two cells.”
Following al-Zawahri’s death last Thursday, Tunisia began making a wave of arrests and began investigating what it deemed a terror-related murder, rather than criminal.
The Tunisian prime minister, Youssef Chahed, also said on Monday evening. “We will punish anyone who was involved in this crime. The sovereignty of Tunisia is a red line and we will pursue anyone who harms the security of Tunisia, whether they are inside or outside.”
Meanwhile, authorities are continuing their search for a Belgian of Moroccan origin and a Swiss suspected of involvement in the hit.
Hamas memorial for al-Zawahri
A state-appointed prosecutor, asked about questions raised in the press about indications and claims made by the Hamas military wing that Israel was responsible for taking al-Zawahri out, responded: “All the facts are being collected. The investigator judge will make all decisions in light of the facts.”
Asked whether those being pursued are still in Tunisia, the state-appointed prosecutor said that while they are not entirely sure, the bulk of the evidence points to them having left already.
