The Tunisian presidency announced their decision to extend the state of emergency that is to expire on 24 December for an additional two months, justifying this unilateral move by contending that the country faces “continued threats” from extremist groups.

The state of emergency gives broad power to the army and police, and prohibits public demonstration.

“The president announces the extension of the state of emergency all over the country for two months starting from 24 December until 21 February,” said a statement from the Tunisian presidency.

The Tunisian president Beji Caid Essebsi announced the state of emergency on 24 November after an attack on a bus transporting presidential guards resulted in the death of 12 persons.

This extension comes amid warnings from Western governments on the imminence of further terror attacks over the holidays.

Tunisia has already raised its security level to the maximum threshold allowed by its security mechanisms.

In the past months, Tunisia witnessed three terror attacks, including the killing of tourists in Sousse and in the capital city’s Bardo Museum.