ISIS targets oil tankers in Deir ez-Zor over refusal to pay Zakat
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Militants of the Islamic State (ISIS) attacked on Saturday two oil tankers in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, after their owners allegedly refused to pay Zakat (Islamic tax).
Local sources told North Press that the attack took place near the village of Ruwayshid, north of Deir ez-Zor, causing the oil cargo to spill and leaving the vehicles heavily damaged.
The militants also threatened the drivers, warning them to comply with the group’s demands for Zakat.
In a separate incident, a source from the village of al-Jarzi, east of Deir ez-Zor, reported that ISIS militants detonated an explosive device on Friday evening, targeting another oil tanker near the village.
The explosion injured the driver, identified as Hassan al-Mizer, and caused severe damage to the vehicle.
According to the source, ISIS later sent a WhatsApp message to the tanker’s owner, claiming responsibility for the attack and reiterating that it was carried out in response to his refusal to pay Zakat to the group.
Reporting by Omar Abdurrahman