US-Led Coalition Launches Drone Strike Amid Russia's Request to Clear Sky

The US-led coalition has carried out a drone airstrike in Syria against Islamic State amid vowing to continue its military campaign after Russia’s announcement to launch air campaign in the country, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — In Syria, the coalition’s airstrike destroyed two ISIL excavators, while in Iraq the airstrikes hit ISIL fighting positions, tactical units and heavy weaponry.

"In Syria, coalition military forces conducted one airstrike using remotely piloted aircraft," a CENTCOM statement said.

Separately in Iraq, the US-led coalition military forces launched 21 airstrikes using bomber, fighter, fighter-attack, and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL positions.

On Wednesday, following Russia’s announcement it would begin conducting airstrikes in Syria against ISIL terrorists, the Pentagon said that Moscow had asked the US coalition to clear Syrian airspace.

However, Washington insisted that they would continue air operations in Syria, and would welcome Russia’s contribution in the fight against ISIL as long as Moscow’s air operation was "genuine."

The US-led coalition of over 60 nations has conducted airstrikes in Syria since September 2014, however, without the approval of the UN Security Council and the Syrian government.