Tunisian security forces on Friday killed five terrorists in an operation in Gafsa province, said the Interior Ministry.

In statements late on Friday, Interior Ministry spokesman Walid al Weqini said that the operation wrapped up and security forces are currently combing the scene.

Four firearms, a pistol, two grenades, amounts of ammunition, documents and huge sums of money were found in possession of the terrorists, al Weqini noted.

Earlier in the day, Tunisian National Guard troops backed by Army forces clashed with militants in a mountain area in Gafsa.

Tunisia has declared a state of emergency after 38 tourists were killed in an attack by an Islamist gunman in the beach resort of Sousse on June 26.