On Saturday, three civilians were killed while they were collecting truffles in northern Syria , as a result of an attack launched by gunmen affiliated with the Islamic State cells, during which at least 26 others were kidnapped, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Observatory reported that, "Gunmen likely affiliated with cells of the Islamic State targeted workers collecting truffles in the Khanaser desert in the southeastern countryside of Aleppo."

He explained that the attackers "killed three workers with knives, and kidnapped at least 26 others, including women, to an unknown destination."

The official media did not mention the attack.

Since the start of the truffle collection season in February, the organization has repeatedly launched attacks targeting workers in the vast Syrian desert, punctuated by shootings and kidnappings.

According to the Observatory, at least 139 people, the overwhelming majority of them civilians, have been killed since the beginning of February as a result of surprise attacks launched by the organization or the explosion of mines it planted during its control of large areas in Syria.

Despite the dangers, residents of the areas bordering the Syrian Badia continue to collect truffles, whose season lasts until April and are sold at a high price, which explains the demand for collecting them in light of difficult economic conditions with the war going on for 12 years.

The price per kilogram ranges between five and $25 dollars, depending on the quality and size of the fruits.