US official announced that his country refuses the proposal made by Russia for joint strikes in Syria, Al Arabiya reported on Friday.

Earlier, the Russian defense minister proposed on Friday that Russia and the US-led coalition launch joint action against al-Qaida's branch in Syria, known as the Nusra Front.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Moscow had proposed to Washington that the coalition call on all factions eager to abide by a cease-fire in Syria to leave the areas where the al-Qaida branch is active by May 25.

Moscow suggested that starting from that date, Russia and the US-led coalition conduct joint strikes against the Nusra Front and any other groups refusing to honor the truce, Shoigu said.

However, the Russian minister warned that Moscow reserves the right to unilaterally strike militants refusing to respect the cease-fire, as well as weapons and militants crossing into Syria from Turkey, starting from May 25.

Shoigu said the Russian proposal should help secure the cease-fire, adding that Moscow has coordinated it with Damascus. He claimed that the Russian military has started discussing the idea with the US representatives.

Source: MENA