Taliban, US 'close' to forging peace deal

KABUL, Afghanistan - The United States and the Taliban are "close" to a deal that would see the Pentagon slash troop numbers in Afghanistan, the insurgents said on Wednesday, although the US military insisted that the country must not become a sanctuary for extremists.

The foes have been meeting in Doha, Qatar, to put the final touches on a historic deal that would see the Taliban make various security guarantees in return for a sharp reduction in the 13,000 or so US troops based in Afghanistan.

"We are close to an agreement. We hope to bring good news for our Muslim and freedom seeking nation soon," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted.