Afghan-US Deal on Table in Key Region

Global Times | Agencies | Afghan and US officials are working on a compromise deal to allow US special forces to stay in a strategically key province near the capital in return for full Afghan control of a controversial jail, a top Kabul official said. Afghan President Hamid Karzai's previous decision to expel special forces from Wardak province has angered US defense officials who worry their exit could allow insurgents to strengthen their presence in the area and use it as a base to attack Kabul, only 25 kilometers away. (READ MORE)

Afghan, NATO Troops Killed in Insider Attack

VOA News | March 11, 2013 | Kabul | NATO officials in Afghanistan say an apparent insider attack in eastern Afghanistan has killed several Afghan and U.S.-led coalition service members.

Authorities say the shooter in Monday's incident in Wardak province was believed to be an Afghan police officer.

The shooting comes a day after U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's first visit to Afghanistan was marred by a contentious speech by Afghan President Hamid Karzai and a series of security threats Saturday that forced the cancellation of a scheduled news conference on Sunday with Karzai and Secretary Hagel. (READ MORE)

US, Afghan troops killed in apparent insider attack

AP - New York Post | KABUL, Afghanistan | Officials say an Afghan police officer opened fire inside a police station while US forces were visiting, sparking a firefight that killed two US troops and three Afghan policemen.
Monday's incident in Wardak province appears to be the latest in a series of insider attacks against coalition and Afghan forces. It comes a day after a deadline given by Afghans for US special forces to withdraw from the province.

Deputy provincial Police Chief Abdul Razaq Koraishi says three Afghan officers were killed. A coalition military official says two U.S. forces were killed. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose information pending an official statement.

The majority of US troops in Wardak are special operations forces. (READ MORE)