(TAP) – Defense Minister Farhat Horchani said on Friday that the eradication of the scourge of terrorism in Tunisia is in its final stages, noting that the successes achieved by the military institution in the battle of Ben Guerdane illustrates Its ability to fight terrorism and to guarantee the protection of the country.

Horchani, who inaugurated the documentary exhibition on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of the creation of the national army, added that these successes emanated from the military spirit based on loyalty to the homeland as well as on efficiency of the military training that allowed the soldiers to acquire high capacities.

The minister also stressed the importance of military equipment and intelligence in the fight against terrorism, noting that the war on terrorism is not only about the security and military forces, but also extends to the citizen who must be aware of the danger of this scourge.

The Tunisian army, he said, is "an exception", alluding to the role it played in the consecration of the democratic process because it is, according to Horchani, a republican army which does not intervene in the political sphere.

He recalled the role of the national army, which included defending the country, contributing to development efforts and ensuring the preservation of Tunisia's sovereignty and security.

In this regard, the minister referred to a project being finalised and relating to the installation of an electronic border surveillance system, in particular with Libya, to detect any suspicious movements of people or vehicles.

Horchani voiced wish to see Libya reach a political solution which, he said, will have positive repercussions on the security situation in this country but also in Tunisia.

Photos illustrating the acts of bravery of the national army were exhibited at the information gallery in Tunis.

A documentary film about the battle of Ben Guerdane was also screened on this occasion.