PHOTO: Tunisia's parliament in session. (Via Wikipedia)
At least 20 people have been killed and dozens more wounded following an attack at the Bardo National Museum near Tunisia's parliament compound in the capital on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.
Seventeen of the people killed were European tourists visiting the capital city of Tunis. A Tunisian security officer and cleaning woman were killed in the attack as well.
Two gunmen were killed by authorities, however a manhunt for additional suspects is ongoing.
The museum, which is a popular tourist attraction showcasing the African country's history and a world-class collection of Roman mosaics, was evacuated as a result of the shooting.
According to aljazeera.com, Tunisian parliament member Sayida Ounissi tweeted information in the wake of the attack, pointing out that "members of parliament, the minister of justice, some judges, and several high level army offices were at the location."
"The neighbourhood 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," added Ounissi.
Local reports say as many as 160 tourists were rescued from the museum immediately after the shooting.
It remains to be seen who is responsible for the deadly attack. But multiple media outlets are reporting that two militants disguised as soldiers carried out the shooting prior to taking hostages.
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