The death toll in Syria continues to rise, even after 13 years since the onset of the crisis in a country that has witnessed extreme violence and destruction. Despite relative calm on the front lines since 2018 and a stabilization of control zones among various warring factions, hundreds of Syrians still lose their lives annually as they struggle to survive amid the worst economic crisis the country has faced since its independence.
In the Syrian Badia, now referred to as the "black hole," the explosion of landmines and remnants of war is killing those traversing these vast lands, including shepherds and truffle collectors searching for a livelihood during this time of year. Over the past years, the quest for truffles in Syria has become fraught with dangers that can lead to death, as they seek out this fruit that grows across the Syrian Badia in the rural areas of Homs, Hama (central Syria), Deir ez-Zor, and Raqqa (eastern Syria), covering an area of approximately 60,000 square kilometers.
What was once a straightforward gathering of truffles for residents of the Badia and the neighboring cities and towns, usually synchronized with seasonal rainfall, has been affected by the struggle for military dominance among the conflicting parties in the country. According to sources involved in truffle harvesting, seeking and collecting them requires security approvals from the controlling entity, which includes the "National Defense" forces allied with the government, Iranian-affiliated factions, and the "Syrian Democratic Forces."
However, these approvals do not protect individuals from landmine deaths or theft of money and truffles in more fortunate circumstances. It is noted that "ISIS" and its affiliates monitor areas containing truffles to seize the harvest and control its production, much like they did previously with energy resources such as oil and gas wells.
Reports estimate that over 170 civilians have lost their lives in the pursuit of truffles since last year, according to a report prepared by "Aram."
