The United States has donated nine Pitbull VX armored vehicles to Tunisia’s Tunisian Counter-Terrorism Brigade to combat terrorism and improve border security.
The vehicles were handed over on 22 June. Tunisian Minister of Justice and acting Minister of the Interior Ghazi Jeribi said “these armored vehicles will significantly contribute to the increase in the fighting capacity against terrorist groups in Tunisia.”
US Ambassador to Tunisia Daniel Rubinstein said Tunisia was successful in maintaining security and fighting against terrorism, and Tunisia would prove itself as a stable and peaceful country.
The Pitbull VXs will be operated by the Tunisian Counter-Terrorism Brigade, which reports to the Intervention Units General Directorate.
The Pitbull VX is built by Alpine Armoring and is based on the Ford F-550 chassis. Designed for SWAT teams, it is powered by a 6.7 liter Rod V8 developing 303 hp. The vehicle weights 7.5 tons and can carry eight fully equipped SWAT members. Armour protection is to A9/B6+ level.
In the past few years, the US Army has provided Tunisia with aircraft, navy vessels, high-tech intelligence and surveillance equipment as well as specialized counter-terrorism training and equipment to equip and professionalize the post-revolutionary army.
