US does not intend to cooperate with Russia and Syria in fight against ISIL

The US State Department spokesperson John Kirby said that Washington and its allies do not intend to discuss any joint actions with the Syrian army or Russia for the battle of Raqqa.

"There’s no intent or effort to coordinate with the Assad regime, and on any counter-Daesh operation inside Syria. There will be no coordination with the Assad regime," he said.

Lieutenant General Stephen J. Townsend explained earlier that more Syrian opposition fighters need to be recruited, trained and equipped for the Raqqa battle.

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said that the offensive to oust ISIL from its capital will get underway within weeks, NBC News reports.