BEIRUT: Suspected militants from the Islamic State (IS) group have killed at least 26 people in an attack in central Syria, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The victims were foraging for desert truffles when the attackers struck in the desert east of the central city of Hama.
The monitor said that among the dead were “civilians and at least 10 pro-regime fighters”. The attack is the latest in a series of assaults targeting those gathering truffles in the area.
Truffles are highly valued in the region and can fetch high prices, leading to clashes between truffle hunters and militant groups seeking to control the lucrative trade.
IS sporadic attacks in Syria
The IS group has been largely defeated in Syria, but it has continued to carry out sporadic attacks in areas where it maintains a presence.
The group has been known to target civilians and pro-government forces alike in its efforts to destabilize the country.
The Syrian government has condemned the attack and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. The Syrian military has also launched a campaign in the region to root out the militants and secure the area for local residents.
The attack highlights the ongoing instability in Syria, where various armed groups continue to vie for control of territory and resources. The conflict has left hundreds of thousands dead and displaced millions more, with no end to the violence in sight.
