Thirteen civilians lost their lives in northern Syria while collecting truffles, following the detonation of a landmine left by ISIS, as documented by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights today.
Such tragic incidents recur annually during the truffle gathering season in the desert.
The Observatory confirmed the death of 13 individuals, including women, all belonging to a single tribe, due to a landmine explosion while they were searching for truffles in the Al-Rasafa desert in the western countryside of Raqqa province.
The truffle collection season, spanning February to April, often witnesses fatalities due to landmine explosions as locals venture into vast desert areas in search of the valuable delicacy.
Despite the dangers and security warnings, the economic allure of truffles, which fetch high prices, compels residents to continue their collection amidst the challenging economic conditions that have plagued Syria after 13 years of conflict.
