BEIRUT: At least 16 people searching for truffles in the north Syria desert were killed Saturday after their vehicle struck a landmine, a war monitor reported.
The incident occurred in the vast Syrian desert, also known as Badia, in Raqa province, an area known for its perilous conditions due to the presence of militant groups and scattered landmines. The victims, including at least nine women, were aboard a small truck with more than 20 civilians on board when the explosion occurred.
Truffle hunting is a perilous activity undertaken by hundreds of impoverished Syrians between February and April each year, driven by the lucrative prices truffles fetch in Syria.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the area where the tragic incident occurred is frequented by Islamic State (IS) group militants, adding to the already high risks associated with truffle hunting in the region.
Deadly Mine Explosions in Syria
Recent weeks have seen a string of deadly mine explosions targeting truffle hunters, underscoring the dangers inherent in the practice. Despite frequent warnings from authorities about the risks involved, Syrians continue to undertake truffle hunting ventures in search of a means of sustenance amidst dire economic conditions.
This incident comes in the wake of previous attacks by IS-linked gunmen, including an assault earlier this month that claimed the lives of 18 people, mostly civilians, in the desert. The militant remnants, though largely driven from territorial control in 2019, continue to pose a threat in the desert, launching deadly attacks on civilians and security forces alike.
The continuity of such attacks highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Syria, even after the territorial defeat of IS, as militants continue to operate in remote areas and perpetrate violence against civilians and security forces.
