WASHINGTON: The United States on Monday rejected a Syrian offer to coordinate military actions for defeating militants of the Islamic State group.

At a news briefing in Washington, State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said that while the Syrian regime was also fighting the militants, the United States and Syria were not “on the same side of the coin” on this issue.

She said that the Syrian regime was helping IS recruit new militants by denying its people their basic rights.

Earlier on Monday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said his government welcomed any potential US military strikes at IS targets in Syria, but Washington should warn Damascus before launching such attacks.

“Syria is ready to cooperate and coordinate with regional and international efforts to combat terror in accordance,” he said.

“Everyone is welcome, including Britain and the United States, to take action against IS and Al-Nusra with a prior full coordination with the Syrian government.”

Asked to comment on the Syrian foreign minister’s statement, Ms Psaki said: “When American lives are at stake, we are not looking for the approval of the Syrian regime.”

The United States, she said, was considering various options to target religious militants hiding in Syria, including those who beheaded American journalist James Foley last week.

“We are going to do what is necessary for protecting Americans,” said the US official while confirming that the Obama administration already talking to its allies in the region for a possible action against the militants.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2014