The Gafsa events refer to an armed operation conducted by Libyan-backed Tunisian nationalists in January 1980, during which they infiltrated and attacked the Tunisian city of Gafsa. The attackers gained control of most city centers, but their attempts to incite a revolt among the residents failed. Tunisian security and military forces eventually recaptured the city and apprehended the attackers, including their leader Ezzedine Chérif. The operation significantly strained relations between Tunisia and Libya which had been tense since the failure of the Union between the two countries in 1974.
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