This is a story that both excites Tunisia and raises fears that Islamist elements intend to carry out severe attacks due to the "silent coup" carried out there by the president and thus further undermine stability.

According to local media reports, the security services managed to uncover a 300-meter-long tunnel leading to the official residence of the French ambassador in the area of La Marsa, in the northern capital of Tunisia.

The tunnel was exposed a few days ago but this was kept secret as the background to its excavation has not yet been finally clarified.

The discovery of the tunnel was made possible after residents reported the sound of an excavation emanating from an abandoned house not far from the residence of the French ambassador. It was initially speculated that the excavation was carried out by local residents in order to search for "treasures". However, according to some media, security officials have received information that an "extreme figure" was seen in the area and therefore believe that this is a terrorist plot intended to eliminate or kidnap the French ambassador.