Four Tunisian soldiers were injured on Friday as their patrol vehicle was deliberately targeted by a truck of smugglers in the southern desert area near the borders with Libya.
The Defense Ministry said in statement that the military patrol intercepted a column of 30 trucks loaded with subsidized foodstuffs as they attempted to cross into Libya.
"The driver of the leading truck defied the orders to stop and sped up towards the patrol vehicle instead," the statement said.
"Seeing the speeding truck, the patrol commander ordered firing warning shots and then shot at the tires of the truck.
"The driver rammed the truck into the patrol vehicle, causing injuries and fractures of varying degrees to the four servicemen inside the vehicle," the statement added.
The Tunisian ministry stressed commitment to the fight against all forms of smuggling, including arms smuggling, which pose a threat to the country's security and economy."