18 killed in suspected IS attack in E. Syria

At least 18 people were killed, 16 others wounded, and 50 more reported missing following an attack by suspected Islamic State (IS) militants on individuals gathering truffles in the country's eastern province of Deir al-Zour on Wednesday, reported Xinhua, quoting a war monitor.

The attack took place in the desert of Kabajab area in the southern countryside of Deir al-Zour by armed men believed to be linked to IS, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Among the 18 killed, four people were members of the pro-government National Defense Forces.

The Britain-based watchdog group said the victims were ambushed by assailants using firearms, leading to intense clashes with the National Defense Forces.

The violent confrontation resulted in the destruction of 12 vehicles at the scene of the conflict, the observatory added.

In response to the attack, reinforcements from the pro-government al-Quds Brigade and National Defense Forces were dispatched to provide support.