BEIRUT: A Syria monitor said Saturday that at least five Islamic State group members including a cell leader were killed in US strikes overnight in retaliation for an attack last weekend that left three Americans dead. Washington said a lone gunman from the IS jihadist group carried out the Dec. 13 attack in Palmyra, home to UNESCO-listed ancient ruins and once controlled by jihadist fighters, which killed two US soldiers and a US civilian. In response, the United States &quot;struck more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria with fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery,&quot; US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement. Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP that &quot;at least five members of the Islamic State group were killed&quot; in eastern Syria&#39;s Deir Ezzor province, including the leader of a cell responsible for drones in the area. A Syrian security source told AFP that the US strikes targeted IS cells in Syria&#39;s vast Badia desert including in Homs, Deir Ezzor and Raqa provinces, and did not include ground operations. Most of the targets were in a mountainous area running north of Palmyra including towards Deir Ezzor, the source said, requesting anonymity. Using another acronym for IS, CENTCOM said &quot;the operation employed more than 100 precision munitions targeting known ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites.&quot; President Donald Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network that the United States is &quot;inflicting very serious retaliation, just as I promised, on the murderous terrorists responsible,&quot; and that those who attack Americans &quot;WILL BE HIT HARDER THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN HIT BEFORE.&quot;

Middle East

The strike come after a lone gunman from the IS jihadist group carried out the Dec. 13 attack in Palmyra, home to UNESCO-listed ancient ruins and once controlled by jihadist fighters, which killed two US soldiers and a US civilian.

Syria monitor says US strikes killed at least five IS members

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has approved Pakistan&rsquo;s landmark proposal to tackle disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech while safeguarding freedom of expression.&nbsp;The initiative, presented by Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch at the 222nd Session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris, received overwhelming cross-regional support, underscoring Islamabad&rsquo;s growing role in shaping global digital policy.&nbsp;The proposal calls for stronger international cooperation to build a safe, trustworthy, and human rights&ndash;based digital environment, one that balances free speech with responsibility in an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and algorithmic influence.&nbsp;&ldquo;UNESCO&rsquo;s centrality to promoting a safe, reliable, and inclusive information environment that upholds human rights, democratic values, and access to information for all remains essential,&rdquo; Pakistan&rsquo;s statement noted.&nbsp;Member States lauded the proposal for addressing pressing challenges in the age of emerging technologies, including AI, neuro-technology, and immersive digital platforms.&nbsp;The Executive Board emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability from digital platforms, urging measures to detect and label AI-generated or manipulated content and to strengthen content authentication systems.&nbsp;UNESCO works to build peace through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. It plays a leading role in promoting media freedom, ethical AI, and digital literacy worldwide.&nbsp;By championing this initiative, Pakistan has positioned itself as an emerging voice in the global effort to safeguard information integrity and strengthen digital safety. Observers say the proposal&rsquo;s adoption marks a forward-looking step toward creating international standards that protect both truth and transparency in the digital age.

Foreign Affairs

UNESCO has endorsed Pakistan’s proposal to combat disinformation and promote digital integrity, highlighting Islamabad’s leadership in shaping global digital policy and balancing free expression with accountability.

Articles tagged with "UNESCO"

Syria monitor says US strikes killed at least five IS members

UN agency endorses Pakistan’s global plan to curb disinformation, promote digital integrity