New Delhi, Aug 26 (ANI): United States President Barack Obama has reportedly authorized the use of drones for surveillance in Syria despite President Bashar al-Assad demanding that the U.S. seek permission before launching any air strikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants within its territory. According to reports, the Pentagon is sending in manned and unmanned reconnaissance flights over Syria, a precursor to potential airstrikes there. The decision is the first intrusive action by the nation in Syria since the civil war began.