US pledges grant to protect Tunisian borders against terrorism

Head of the U.S. military command for Africa (AFRICOM), General Carter F. Ham, announced here an aid grant of 4.5 million U.S. dollars to help Tunisia protect its borders and fight against terrorist groups, official TAP press agency reported Tuesday. The U.S. military official who is currently on a visit to Tunisia, has said Monday that he discussed the issue of border security with Tunisian defense officials and the aid is to prevent infiltrations of terrorist groups, such as al-Qaida in the Maghreb (AQIM) into the country. He also said that his visit aimed at strengthening the long- standing U.S.-Tunisian military relations.