Afghan Special Operations Units will lead the way in the country in the future, a memo says. Musadeq Sadeq/AP
Afghan forces to lead special operations under new agreement
Deal gives the Afghan military more control over controversial night raids
Afghan forces will take the lead on special operations, including controversial night raids, under an agreement signed Sunday by Gen. John R. Allen, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and Afghan defense minister Abdul Rahim Wardak.
The new memo of understanding means “Afghan Special Operations Units will lead the way in effectively targeting insurgents and ensures special operations will continue to be conducted with the full respect for Afghan sovereignty, Afghan law and the Afghan constitution,” according to the official announcement of the agreement.
Allen called the agreement a milestone in the development of a longterm strategic partnership between the United States and Afghanistan. Wardak called it "an important step in strengthening the sovereignty of Afghanistan,” The New York Times reported.