12 people were killed and 8 injured when a landmine exploded in their car in the southern desert of the city of Raqqa, northeastern Syria.
Raqqa Governor Abdul Razzaq Khalifa said: “A landmine left by terrorist organizations exploded in the Rajm al-Ajouz area in the southern desert of Raqqa.”
He added: “It is possible that the explosive mine was recently planted or that it is a remnant of the terrorist organization ISIS, as the area has been under ISIS control for years, and ISIS groups are still present in some points of the desert, hidden or otherwise.”
He continued: “The mine exploded in a truck carrying farmers from the village of Al-Shraida in the city of Al-Sabkha. They were returning to collect truffles, since this fruit only grows in the desert.”
Khalifa explained: “The desert is a very large area, and we advised citizens to go to the areas close to where the Syrian army is located and not to stay away from it more than 5 kilometers, but unfortunately they are risking their lives and moving farther than that, and these areas are not cleared of mines yet. This incident is the fourth since Truffle season starts this year.
