ISIS targets commercial complex in Deir ez-Zor over ‘zakat’ refusal
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Suspected members of the Islamic State attacked a commercial complex in the villge of Hawaij in the east of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, after its owner reportedly refused to pay “zakat” demanded by the group, local sources told North Press on Tuesday.
According to the sources, the gunmen opened fire with machine guns and threw two grenades at al-Khalifa Commercial Complex, causing material damage to the property. No casualties were reported.
The incident marks the second time the complex has been targeted in April.
Sources said the owner had received multiple threats from ISIS members via WhatsApp messages, warning that the site would be attacked if he did not comply with the group’s demands for payment.
Residents say such threats have become a recurring tactic used by ISIS cells in parts of Deir ez-Zor eastern countryside, where the group seeks to extort money from shop owners and traders under religious pretexts.