U.S., Afghanistan Near Agreement On Night Raids

Afghan forces will take over security responsibilities in 2014

The United States and Afghanistan are reportedly close to an agreement to change the way night raids are carried out in Afghanistan.

According to U.S. officials, Afghan security forces would be given the lead role and judicial oversight would be put in place.

The officials said a deal could be done as early as this week.

But The Associated Press says there is still disagreement over how long individuals detained in such raids can be held.

The overnight raids are scorned by Afghans, but seen as effective by U.S. forces.

The deal is expected to help clear the way for a broader strategic partnership agreement that will govern the U.S. presence in Afghanistan once Afghan forces take full responsibility for security by the end of 2014.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AP