US to increase military aid for Tunisia

The U.S. announced Friday that it would increase its military aid to Tunisia and help train troops as the country struggles to combat internal threats from militants.

Washington would aim to provide more weapons and technical support to Tunisia.

“We are prepared to provide additional assistance and training to Tunisia’s security forces. Our goal is to strengthen their capability to defeat those who threaten the nation’s freedom and integrity,” U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a news conference after meeting Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid.

“To that end President Obama is seeking to double our security assistance budget for Tunisia next year,” he said.

Blinken said the aid would help increase security at the country’s borders, which are loosely controlled and often used by smugglers and militants from Algeria and Libya.