BAGHDAD, Iraq – Truffle hunters in the Syrian Desert faced tragedy on Saturday as a vehicle carrying at least 19 people struck a landmine, resulting in multiple casualties according to a war monitor. This region, known as the Badia, is not only a hotspot for truffles but also a dangerous area infested with mines and jihadist presence.
Reports indicate that 19 civilians, including 12 women, were killed in the incident in the Raqa province. The victims were in search of desert truffles, a risky activity that has claimed lives in recent weeks due to the dangerous conditions in the area. Authorities have repeatedly warned against the dangers of seeking truffles in the region.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based organization, highlighted the ongoing threat posed by the Islamic State (IS) extremists in the desert. Just this month, a similar attack by IS gunmen resulted in the deaths of 18 people, most of whom were civilians. The remnants of IS continue to pose a threat in the area despite losing territory in 2019.
The tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by civilians in war-torn Syria, where economic hardships drive people to take dangerous measures to make a living. The lure of high prices for truffles has led many to venture into perilous territories, putting their lives at risk.
In a separate incident, Israeli airstrikes targeted sites in southern Syria, causing injuries to a soldier. Syrian state media reported that air defenses were able to intercept some of the missiles, which originated from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The ongoing conflict in the region underscores the complex and volatile nature of the situation in the Middle East.
As the search for truffles continues to claim lives in Syria, the devastating impact of war and instability on civilians in the region remains a pressing concern. The need for sustainable peace and security is more urgent than ever to prevent further tragedies like the one that befell the truffle hunters in the Syrian Desert.