US Delivers 4 Advanced Reconnaissance Aircraft to Tunisia

One of the four C208 aircraft donated by the United States (TAP)
One of the four C208 aircraft donated by the United States (TAP)
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US Delivers 4 Advanced Reconnaissance Aircraft to Tunisia

One of the four C208 aircraft donated by the United States (TAP)
One of the four C208 aircraft donated by the United States (TAP)

Tunisia on Monday took delivery of four C208 aircraft donated by the US and equipped with control, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

“The aircraft are endowed with modern systems which will strengthen the National Army's military and operational capabilities in countering terrorism and cross-border crime,” Tunisian Defense Minister Khaled Shili said at a ceremony held Monday at the Aouina airbase with the attendance of US Ambassador Joey Hood.

The C208 will strengthen operational and logistical capacities in intelligence, reconnaissance and aerial surveillance, he added, considering the accuracy of execution and speedy data processing and analysis.

They will thus contribute to improving security and peace at home and in the region.

The delivery takes place under the Tunisia-US cooperation and in application of the military cooperation program agreed during the 34th session of the Tunisia-US Joint Military Commission held in 2020.

Shili commended coordination with the US which led to the conclusion of what he called a “successful transaction,” as was the case in previous transactions involving C130 aircraft, training aircraft and speedboats.



Israel Strikes Near Defense Ministry in Damascus

Syrian security forces deploy amid ongoing clashes in the southern city of Sweida, 16 July 2025. EPA/MOHAMMED AL RIFAI
Syrian security forces deploy amid ongoing clashes in the southern city of Sweida, 16 July 2025. EPA/MOHAMMED AL RIFAI
TT

Israel Strikes Near Defense Ministry in Damascus

Syrian security forces deploy amid ongoing clashes in the southern city of Sweida, 16 July 2025. EPA/MOHAMMED AL RIFAI
Syrian security forces deploy amid ongoing clashes in the southern city of Sweida, 16 July 2025. EPA/MOHAMMED AL RIFAI

The Israeli army said Wednesday that it struck near the entrance to the Syrian Ministry of Defense in Damascus.

The strike came as clashes continued in the southern Syrian city of Sweida after a ceasefire between government forces and armed groups collapsed.

Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on convoys of government forces since the clashes erupted, saying that it is acting to protect the Druze.