Five Syrian civilians were killed by remnants of the ISIS terrorist organization, which is banned in Russia and several other countries, while they were collecting truffle mushrooms in the Syrian desert. The attack occurred in the “55 km” area surrounding the illegitimate American base in Al-Tanf, located at the Syrian-Iraqi-Jordanian border triangle.
According to a Sputnik correspondent, amidst repeated attacks by ISIS on truffle gatherers, the group assaulted a group of Syrian citizens collecting truffles in the “Jeb al Jarrah” area in the eastern countryside of Homs, central Syria. The attack resulted in the death of five civilians, carried out by attackers affiliated with ISIS remnants, who infiltrated the desert outskirts on motorcycles and opened fire directly on the civilian workers.
Medical teams, accompanied by a forensic doctor, were dispatched to the site upon receiving reports of the fatalities from the Homs Health Directorate and internal security forces (police). The forensic doctor confirmed the death of the five victims.
The truffle gathering season is a significant source of income for many residents of the Syrian desert, linking the provinces of Homs, Hama, Deir ez-Zor, and Raqqa. Recent days have seen the killing of several Syrian civilian workers in similar attacks by ISIS remnants in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor.
The “55 km” area, which is “protected” by American warplanes, surrounds the illegitimate Al-Tanf base in the far eastern countryside of Homs. The base is used by American forces and some soldiers of British military, as well as members of various organizations affiliated with them, such as remnants of ISIS, the “Maghaweir al-Thawra” Syrian revolutionary commandos, “Ahrar al-Sharqiya”, “Jaysh Ahmed al-Abdo”, and other groups under the “Free Syrian Army” label.
ISIS has faced significant setbacks in the Middle East over the past five years, with experts noting that the group’s threat level remains low in the region. However, there’s a notable rise in ISIS activities in sub-Saharan Africa, which is now considered the global epicenter of terrorism. Despite the group’s diminished presence in the Middle East, it continues to pose a threat in certain areas, particularly in central and northeastern Syria. The Badia desert region in central Syria has become a staging area for ISIS, serving as a rear base for the group since at least 2019. This area is used for storing weapons, setting up training camps, and establishing safehouses for fighters and commanders.
In southern Syria, particularly in Daraa Governorate, ISIS has resurfaced, with recent conflicts escalating, especially in Daraa al-Balad. An operation against the al-Hafo-Harfoush group, which has alleged connections to ISIS, was launched following a suicide bombing targeting a former Free Syrian Army leader’s house. This attack left four dead and several others wounded. The group’s resurgence in this area has led to increased bombings and assassinations, raising concerns about their ongoing presence and influence.
