Star Wars desert is now part of ISIS conflict area

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Natlie Portman (Padme Amidala) and Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker) in Tataouine for Star Wars, Attack of the Clones Credit: PA

It was best known as the fictional village where Luke grew up on Tatooine in the film Star Wars. But now, CNN reports, the village in Tunisia - called Tataouine - is a transit point for ISIS fighters.

The desert near Tataouine in Tunisia, which was the Star Wars backdrop in 1976 Credit: PA

The Libyan border is some 60 miles to the east of where some of sci-fi's most memorable scenes were set.

Earlier this month, three men were detained in the town after it was thought they were planning to join IS.

Tattooine was Luke Skywalker's home planet Credit: PA

Weapons caches have also been discovered there, according to CNN.

Fans of Star Wars sometimes make their way to Tataouine to see Luke Skywalker's birthplace for themselves, but are now being advised not to.

Natlie Portman (Padme Amidala) and Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker) in Tataouine for Star Wars, Attack of the Clones Credit: PA