Terrorists death cult has a new target in its sights – truffle hunters. Since the start of 2024,
ISIS has claimed responsibility for 14 deadly attacks across the world. From to Syria, and attacks in
Afghanistan, Nigeria and
Turkey, more than 1,400 lives have been lost at the hands of the group with thousands more injured. However, the group has now taken to the Syrian desert to hunt down those who find expensive truffles for a living. Normally picked using train pigs in specific forests around the world, the desert truffle – or Terfeziaceae, as it's also known – is a white version of its black sibling eaten in Italian restaurants around the world. Prices vary, but it is thought that they could fetch around £150 per kilo, which is a huge source of income in
Syria despite ISIS already placing a “truffle tax” on them And seizing upon this opportunity, ISIS sleeper cells are now targetting the hunters in a bid to steal the cash for themselves across areas in Hama, Homs, Raqqa, and Deir ez-Zor. According to the Syrian Press Agency, ISIS members have been laying landmines around hunting areas, which have so far slaughtered 69 people across 23 different areas – 36 others have also been injured in the blasts. Expert Ahmad Sultan said: “Truffles are sold at high prices and royalties are imposed by ISIS on hunters during this period. Truffle hunters may refrain from paying the imposed royalties. Therefore, ISIS and Iran-backed militias target them by planting landmines along the routes used by hunters’ vehicles, leading to a significant increase in casualties.” The Syrian Desert is, according to Syria's North Press Agency, a “new destination” for ISIS terrorists, and one that the group is trying to “control,” starting with the truffle hunting business. Sultan added: “The group’s activities have expanded noticeably, reaching the city of Salamiyah in eastern Hama, which reveals the extent of ISIS’ strength and activities in the Syrian Desert.”