Tatooine Under Heavy Guard

Initially it was reported by CNN that the Star Wars "Tatooine" locations in Tunisia were being used by ISIS as way stations for their crossing into Libya. Days later it was reported that a Tunisian Tourism Official released a statement that while 3 suspected ISIS members were captured and detained, the namesake town of Tataouine and the surrounding regions used for filming are safe.

Now according to multiple news outlets, the Tunisian National Guard has ordered 1,500 troops to regularly patrol all 9 locations and make sure they stay ISIS-Free and to further reassure travelers that the iconic film locations as well as the region and it's namesake town of Tataouine are all safe. Colonel Mokhtar Hammami of the National Guard claims they have actually been seeing increased tourist activity in the region.

Below is a map and listing of the movie locations and episode(s) in which they appeared.

What do you think? Is it safe to visit or are they just trying to drum up business. Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

                                        Tatooine Locations:

1. Naftah, Tunisia: Lars Homestead Exterior. Ep. II, III & IV. 
2. Chott el-Gharza, Tunisia: Mos Espa. Ep. I.
3. Oung Jmel, Tunisia: Sith Infiltrator Landing Site. Ep. I.                         
4. Sidi Bouhel, Tunisia: Jundland Wastes. Ep. IV.                        
5. Matmata, Tunisia - Hotel Sidi Driss: Lars Homestead Interior. Ep. IV. Note: The Lars Homestead dining room is part of the hotel, minus props.)
6. Sidi Jemour, Tunisia: Toschi Station. (Anchorhead) Ep. IV. Note: Toschi Station is shown in the scene where Luke's Speeder rushes towards Anchorhead on the way to Mos Eisley) 
7. Mezran, Tunisia: Obi Wan's Home. Ep. IV. Note: The structure is used to this day by fishermen to store their supplies.             
8. Medenine, Tunisia: Anakin/Shmi Skywalker's home in Mos Espa. Ep. I
9. Ksar Ouled Soltani, Tunisia: Additional Slave quarters in Mos Espa. Ep. I