US drones begin surveillance flights over Syria

The US has begun surveillance flights over Syria after President Barack Obama gave his approval, US officials said, in a move that could pave the way for air strikes against Islamic State militant targets there.

However, the United States said on Tuesday it does not intend to coordinate with the government of President Bashar al-Assad on targeting Islamic State militants on Syrian territory.

"There are no plans to coordinate with the Assad regime as we consider this terror threat," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, after Syrian officials demanded Washington ask permission for any action.

While the White House says Obama has not approved military action inside Syria, additional intelligence on the militants would likely be necessary before he could take that step. Pentagon officials have been drafting potential options for the president, including air strikes.

One official said the administration has a need for reliable intelligence from Syria and called the surveillance flights an important avenue for obtaining data.

Bakudaily.Az