Security forces have ended the standoff at the Bardo National Museum in Tunis after gunmen reportedly killed 19 people and took hostages.
Authorities said 17 foreigners and 2 Tunisians were killed in the assault, according to multiple reports. They also said that two attackers were killed when police retook the museum.
An operation was continuing to track down anyone else who helped the attackers, The Guardian reported.
{mosads}The art museum is near Tunisia’s parliament building, which The New York Times reported had been evacuated. Reuters reported that it is part of the same compound as the parliament.
The men were holding 10 people hostage, the Times reported. More people were reportedly injured during the attacks.
Authorities said the gunmen had stormed the museum around noon armed with guns and grenades. Police had surrounded the museum by the afternoon.
Secretary of State John Kerry in a statement said the United States condemns the attack “in the strongest possible terms.”
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the victims’ families and loved ones,” Kerry said.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said that they did not believe any Americans were among the victims in the attack and said U.S. embassy in Tunisia remains open.
Tunisia was the site of one of the major revolutions of the Arab Spring.
Unlike many other states that had protest movements during that time, Tunisia has seen some success in its transition to democracy. It successfully held parliamentary and presidential elections last year, with power peacefully transferring to a new party.
The Bardo National Museum has a renowned collection of ancient artifacts.
— Updated at 1:50 p.m.