Tunisian army fights guards loyal to ousted ruler

Xinhua, January 17, 2011

Tunisian TV reported Sunday evening that elements of the Tunisian army were engaged in a gun battle against guards loyal to the ousted president near the presidential palace.

Tunisian national guards secure the street downtown in Tunis January 16, 2011. Soldiers and tanks were stationed in the centre of Tunis to restore order in the aftermath of looting that broke out when Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, president for more than 23 years, fled to Saudi Arabia following a month of violent anti-government protests that claimed dozens of lives. [Xinhua]

Tunisian national guards secure the street downtown in Tunis January 16, 2011. Soldiers and tanks were stationed in the centre of Tunis to restore order in the aftermath of looting that broke out when Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, president for more than 23 years, fled to Saudi Arabia following a month of violent anti-government protests that claimed dozens of lives. [Xinhua] 
However, it dismissed claims made by foreign media that the clashes were taking place within the palace itself.

Gunshots could be heard around the palace, after the curfew came in force on Sunday, it reported, adding that the army was rounding the rebels.

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