Washington plans to reposition some U.S. troops in the region to carry out counterterrorism missions once foreign forces leave the nation
Pentagon providing air cover in case Taliban targets US and NATO troop drawdown
Pentagon says it is positioning an aircraft carrier and long-range bombers to provide cover for departing US and coalition troops
General says US can't confirm or corroborate the belief
Troop reduction, violence prevention are key elements to agreement leading to Afghan-Taliban talks
The news of a potential deal with the Taliban and subsequent intra-Afghan dialogue comes amid an ongoing political struggle
Visit points to thaw in bilateral relations following ouster of Omar al-Bashir last April