DAMASCUS, Syria – Tragedy struck the Syrian Desert on Saturday as 19 individuals lost their lives while searching for truffles. The incident occurred when their vehicle hit a landmine in an area known to harbor Islamic State extremists in Raqa province.
Each year, from February to April, hundreds of Syrians venture into the treacherous Syrian Desert, also known as the Badia, in search of truffles despite the lurking danger of mines and jihadist presence. The lure of high prices for these desert delicacies drives individuals to take risks in a country ravaged by war and economic turmoil.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the victims of the tragic incident included 12 women, with several others sustaining injuries from the explosion. This unfortunate event is just one in a series of deadly mine blasts that have plagued truffle hunters in recent weeks.
Authorities have repeatedly warned against the perilous practice of searching for truffles in these dangerous territories. In March 2019, Islamic State lost its last stronghold in Syria, but remnants of the extremist group continue to hide in the desert, posing a threat to civilians and security forces alike.
The ongoing violence in Syria extends beyond the desert, with reports of Israeli airstrikes targeting sites in southern Syria. Syrian state media indicated that these airstrikes wounded a soldier and were met with air defense reactions following missile launches from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Despite the military campaigns that have dismantled Islamic State’s territorial control, the persistent jihadist threat underscores the challenges faced by Syrians as they strive to rebuild their nation amidst ongoing conflict and instability. As civilians continue to fall victim to landmines and violence, the quest for stability and safety in Syria remains elusive.