Militants affiliated with the Islamic State, a terrorist organization banned in Russia, have claimed the lives of more than 30 people who were gathering mushrooms in the Hama province. Reports from the region confirm the deadly hit, with details surfacing through various media outlets. In the Duweizein area, a group of 32 individuals were reportedly engaged in gathering truffles when militants struck. Local hospital officials in Salamia stated that 26 bodies were brought to the city hospital for examination and identification, underscoring the scale of the loss and the disruption to the local community.
On April 9, another incident unfolded in the northeastern Deir ez-Zor province, near the Jabal al-Bashir region, where six desert truffle foragers were killed when a mine exploded in the vicinity. This attack adds to a pattern of danger faced by people who rely on truffle and desert mushroom harvesting as a livelihood, often in fragile security environments.
Across Syria, mushroom and truffle harvesters confront ongoing risks from explosive devices and militant actions. Reports indicate that in March, a truck carrying workers to collect desert truffles was struck by multiple mines planted by Islamic State militants. Several mines detonated as the vehicle moved through the route, resulting in seven deaths and injuries to 63 others. Earlier, in February, more than 50 Syrians lost their lives while collecting truffles in Homs province due to an IS attack in eastern Syria. These incidents highlight the perilous conditions faced by local communities that depend on seasonal foraging as a source of income and sustenance, often operating in areas where security forces struggle to maintain control.
Experts note that the pattern of such attacks disrupts not only the immediate communities but also the broader regional economy that relies on agricultural and foraged products. The toll on families and neighbors is profound, with many households forced to cope with the loss of primary earners and the emotional trauma of sudden violence. Aid organizations and local authorities have urged caution and urged residents to avoid high-risk harvest zones, especially during periods of intensified conflict. In the wake of these events, communities are left to reassess safety measures, livelihoods, and the uncertainty that accompanies living in conflict-affected zones. (Source: DEA News)