"This is one of the few areas we are in lockstep, have the same objectives and outcomes, not necessarily vis-a-vis Syria, but in terms of the discrete and concrete counterterrorism concerns," Cilluffo said on Wednesday.
Cilluffo explained that US-Russian counterterrorism cooperation can be conducted militarily and operationally
"[It] does not have to be at the intelligence level alone," he noted, acknowledging that the tense political relationship between the two countries poses challenges.
On Monday, State Department spokesman Mark Toner suggested that anti-terrorism cooperation between Russia and the United States in Syria could be possible, if progress is made diplomatically. Such cooperation could include US-Russian strikes against Daesh and al-Nusra Front.
In a November 2015 publication, Cilluffo advocated the many potential advantages to a US-Russian alliance against Daesh in Syria, including improving relations between the two superpowers.
Cilluffo told Sputnik that counterterrorism cooperation "can serve as a bridge to get us greater cooperation on bigger issues."
US-Russian cooperation in Syria is currently limited to high-level diplomacy and military deconfliction channels to prevent unintended incidents.
Both, Washington and Moscow are engaged in separate military operations against internationally recognized terrorist groups inside Syria.
