Death toll rises to 36 in Islamic State attack on collectors in eastern Syria

17 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has said the death toll from an Islamic State jihadist attack on truffle pickers in the Hama countryside in central-eastern Syria has risen to 36.

The body, based in London and informant in the Arab country, has indicated that 17 of the deceased are members of the pro-government militias of the National Defense Forces.

The attack occurred in the Duwaizin area and targeted both collectors and militia members.

It should be remembered that truffles are one of the main sources of financing for Syrian civilians, who can sell for around 75,000 Syrian pounds (about 27 euros) per kilogram, although in Damascus, the capital, they can sell for up to 180,000 Syrian pounds (about 66 euros) per kilo. The average Syrian monthly salary is about 18 dollars (about 16 euros).

According to the Syrian Human Rights Observatory, five pastors have also been killed in another attack carried out this Sunday by the Islamic State in the east of the country, while two others have been kidnapped by armed terrorists.