Star Wars Tunisia Town in Battle Against ISIS

A town in Tunisia that was once the backdrop of a conflict in a galaxy far, far away now finds itself in a far more real serious conflict.

According to a CNN report, the area around Tataouine, a Tunisian town that doubled as the desert planet Tatooine in the original Star Wars, has become a way station for jihadists trying to cross the Libyan border just 60 miles away.

CNN reports that two arms caches have been found in the area, including rocket-propelled grenade launchers as well as more than 20,000 rounds of ammunition. Three men were arrested in the town ahead of an attempt to cross the border into Libya with the intent to join the terrorist network.

As the threat of ISIS rises, Tunisians are becoming more concerned about their security, leading to the ban on men between the ages of 18 and 35 being allowed to travel into Libya without proof of employment and resident papers, in addition to the creation of a 12-mile buffer zone along the border between the nations, according to the Tunisian national guard quoted in the CNN piece.

Although the previous Star Wars films had used Tunisia to represent the world of Tatooine, Star Wars: The Force Awakens instead filmed in Abu Dhabi due to Tunisia being too dangerous for production.

For the full CNN report, click here.