Ghriba Synagogue Attack - Definition

The Ghriba Synagogue Attack was a deadly bombing carried out in Tunisia by the al-Qaeda terrorist group on the El Ghriba synagogue.

On April 11, 2002, a natural gas truck fitted with explosives drove past security barriers at the ancient Ghriba Synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba. The truck detonated at the front of the synagogue, killing 14 German tourists, six Tunisians, and one Frenchman. More than 30 others were wounded.

Although the attack was initially called an accident, as Tunisia, France, and Germany investigated, it became clear the attack was deliberate. A 24 year-old man named Nizar Nawar apparently was the suicide bomber, who carried out the attack with the aid of a relative. An audio tape later claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it "sent Germany a message."

Many people were arrested over the bombing.