Islamic State Takes Responsibility for Tunisia Museum Attack

The Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for a recent attack on tourists near a popular museum in Tunisia, although the claim has not been independently verified by the Obama administration.

The attack took place Wednesday when tourists exited tour buses to visit the Bardo National Museum in Tunis, the North African country's capital. Gunmen reportedly shot at tourists from multiple different countries as they exited their buses, killing 23.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack in a recent social media post, vowing that more bloodshed will come. The terrorist group identified two leaders of the attack, Hatem Khachnaou and Yassine Labidi, who were already identified by the Tunisian government after they were killed by police during the assault.

The statement from the Syria-based terrorist group said that attack was targeting "citizens of Crusader countries" and suggested that it was the "first drop of rain" in a series of other attacks targeting North Africa.

In response, Tunisia's Prime Minister Habib Essid said that his country would be setting up advanced security measures in major cities. Tunisia relies greatly on tourism for its national economy, and country leaders have acknowledged that this most recent attack is an assault on their nation's financial stability.

The White House said in a statement that although it could not confirm the Islamic State's involvement in Wednesday's attack, the nature of the assault is "entirely consistent" with previous terrorist attacks led by the extremist group.

The Obama administration has also vowed to assist Tunisia in its investigation of the recent attack. The U.S. and other democratic countries consider Tunisia to be a successful democratic result of the Arab Spring.