Officials: U.S. will defend itself against Syria attack

If necessary, U.S. pilots conducting airstrikes against Islamic State positions in Syria would defend themselves if fired upon by Syrian government forces, senior administration officials suggested Monday.

The officials said the U.S. knows where Bashar Assad's government has positioned forces and air defense installations, and those could be at risk if they attack U.S. planes.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing military strategy.

The warning came as President Obama prepares for a couple of key meetings related to his counter-terrorism plan against the Islamic State.

That plan includes the prospect of airstrikes against IS positions inside of Syria, in addition to the expansion of ongoing strikes against the militant group in Iraq.

The Syrian government has objected to the prospect of U.S. airstrikes in their country.

The Obama plan also calls for increased training of the Iraq military and of rebels in Syria, so that they can take control of the ground battle against the Islamic State.

On Tuesday, Obama meets with retired Marine Gen. John Allen, who is heading up efforts to recruit nations in a coalition to roll back the militant group that has taken large areas in Syria and Iraq.

On Wednesday, Obama will be in Tampa,, Fla., to meet with military leaders at the Central Command, which will coordinate the counter-terrorism plan.

Next week, Obama discusses the plan with members of the United Nations General Assembly.

Senior administration officials also said the U.S. government has had talks with leaders in Iran about its interests in rolling back the Islamic State.