Tunisia steps up security measures, tourism takes hard hit

Friday's deadly attack in Tunisia's sea resorts of Sousse has left 39 killed and 39 injured, and is considered one of the most brutal and deadliest strikes in nation's recent history.

"Tunisians are not united enough. We need to come together," said President Beji Caid Essebsi on Friday, outside the Marhaba hotel at the coast city of Sousse, where the attack happened.

Prime Minister Habib Essid also said on Friday that the nation's war on terror would continue. He then called an urgent meeting with senior officials and issued what he deemed "immediate and exceptional" measures to face off this year's second major terrorist following the March attack on the Bardo museum in Tunis that killed 23 people.

According to the measures, about 80 mosques that did not have a legal status have been closed, while gatherings of non-official groups and political parties will be reviewed.

The two Tunisian leaders also hinted that the country would ban the use of the black flag of Salafist Ettahrir party.

"The only flag that should be waved is our red Tunisian flag. The black flag which belongs to these people [terrorists] should not stay," Essebsi said in a threatening tone on Friday.

Additionally, four mountain areas near the Algerian borders are to be classified as closed military zones. These mountains include Mount Samema and Mount Ouergha among others, where several security and sweeping operations took place in search for terrorist suspects. "By closing these areas, chasing terrorists and arresting them will become easier for our security forces," explained Essid.

Tunisians are also encouraged to offer intelligence information about potential terrorist suspects that could lead to their arrest.

What's worst about the attack is that it has dealt a heavy blow to the nation's tourism industry that has seen only slow recovery since the social unrest began in late 2010.

"This is a catastrophe," admitted tourism minister Salma Elloumi on Friday. "This hit Tunisia in its core."

Tunisia is key to Tunisia's economy. The North African nation is known for its golden beaches and sunny weather, while tourism now accounts seven percent of Tunisia's gross domestic product, and almost 400,000 job opportunities.

Travel agencies and resorts near the Marhaba hotel were filled with distressed and panicking tourists who were either relatives of the injured or killed, or merely tourists who wanted to leave out of fear.

Since the attack, hundreds of tourists have been evacuated to Britain, Germany and Belgium, among other destinations. Tens of foreign victims were transferred to four hospitals across Sousse for urgent treatment. The bodies were transferred to Tunis for identification.

Tunis has also stepped up the security measures for hotels and resorts all along the coasts, and all tourism security agents will be armed.

The perpetrator was identified by Interior Ministry as 23 year-old Seifeddine Rezgui was a student with no criminal record. According to eyewitnesses, he was not bearded and was dressed as a normal beach-goer. However, the Islamic State group has claimed the attack on Friday night.

"The guy who did this is not a real Tunisian, nor a real Muslim," said a eyewitnesses on the beach near the Marhaba hotel.