Tunisian forces began an operation Wednesday against suspected militants, after an infiltration by an armed group from the Libyan side of the border, according to state television and reports by AFP.
"A security operation is under way against terrorists in Ben Guerdane," interior ministry spokesman Yasser Messbah told AFP.
Gunfire was reported by state media, saying an armed group had crossed the border in a 4x4 vehicle.
According to Tunisian media, one civilian died from a bullet wound, and a soldier had been wounded in the firefight.
Tunisia has built a barrier stretching roughly half of its 250-mile border with Libya, in attempt to prevent militants from entering the country.
Several deadly attacks by Daesh last year have devastated the country's tourism industry. The attacks are believed to have been planned from Libya, where Daesh has an increasingly large presence.
