ERBIL — At least 13 civilians, including women, lost their lives in the Syrian desert due to a landmine explosion left behind by the Islamic State (IS) group, according to the Syria Observatory for Human Rights.

The incident occurred as the victims were foraging for truffles in Raqa province, an activity known to carry risks due to the presence of landmines scattered throughout the region.

The Syrian desert, renowned for producing high-quality truffles, becomes a hotspot for foragers between February and April, despite authorities' frequent warnings about the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance. The area, also known as the Badia, has long been a hideout for jihadist groups like IS, even after the group lost its territorial control in Syria in March 2019.

While military campaigns backed by the US-led Coalition have pushed IS out of its strongholds, remnants of the group persist in the desert, where they continue to pose threats to civilians and security forces alike. These attacks underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Syrians, who have endured over a decade of conflict since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's regime began in March 2011.