An attack by suspected Islamic State (IS) militants killed at least 11 people in the desert region of northern Syria on Sunday, a war monitor reported.
The attack claimed the lives of at least two civilians and nine soldiers after their vehicle hit a landmine on the way to collect truffles in the desert, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
After the blast, the militants opened fire and then kidnapped three more people, whose whereabouts remain unknown, the Britain-based watchdog group added.
The attack is the latest of a series by the IS against Syrian truffle hunters in the desert regions. Despite the grave danger posed by the IS, many Syrians, grappling with poverty after 13 years of conflict, risk their lives in pursuit of the expensive mushrooms and the lucrative profits they bring.
The IS militants have used the Syrian desert region as a safe haven after the end of their geographical control over residential areas in Syria in 2019, frequently attacking and abducting civilians and military personnel, resulting in a continued loss of life and instability in the region.
President Xi on global, regional security
German delegation seeks deeper cooperation with central China's Wuhan
Chinese, Cambodian martial artists make joint performance at famed Angkor
California is rolling out free preschool. That hasn't solved challenges around child care
Eiza Gonzales is radiant in behind
Hamas official says no agreement with Israel if war continues in Gaza
German delegation seeks deeper cooperation with central China's Wuhan
GOP lawmakers in Kansas are moving to override the veto of a ban on gender care for minors
Venezuela’s main opposition bloc agrees on candidate to challenge Maduro in presidential election