Tunisia's government says it has prevented a major terrorist attack on hotels and police stations in Sousse.

An official says 17 Islamist militants were arrested before they could carry out their plans this month.

Sousse is the same resort where 38 tourists were killed on a beach in June.

Three Irish people were among those killed in that attack.

Gunman Seifeddine Rezgui opened fire on sunbathing tourists on the beach and a hotel -  before he was shot dead by police.

Tunisian authorities say he acted alone during the attack, but had accomplices who supported him beforehand, providing him with weapons and logistical support.

Terrorist group Islamic State later released an online audio recording in which it claimed responsibility for the massacre.

Security forces in the country have remained on high alert since the attacks.