Tunisia Counter-Terrorism Unit receives Pitbull VX armored vehicles.

Tunisia received nine armored vehicles donated by the United States, Tunisian Minister of Justice and acting Minister of the Interior Ghazi Jeribi said Friday, June 23, 2018.

Three of the nine Pitbull VX armored vehicles donated by the US to Tunisian Counter-Terrorism Brigade
(Credit: Tunisian Ministry of Interior)

"These armored vehicles will significantly contribute to the increase in the fighting capacity against terrorist groups in Tunisia," Jeribi said.

The vehicles, all nine Pitbull VX models, will be operated by the Tunisian Counter-Terrorism Brigade, which reports to the Intervention Units General Directorate.

U.S. 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.

Designed by Alpine , the Pitbull VX is an armoured response vehicle (ARV) specifically designed for SWAT teams. Based on a Ford F-550 chassis, the vehicle is powered by a 6.7-litre V6 engine. It has a max weight of 19,500 pounds, leaving 3,000 pounds for crew and various payloads. It can carry up to eight fully equipped SWAT members.