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US, Taliban Deal Likely to Include Communication Means to Deconflict
Potential Military Incidents

Carla Babb

   PENTAGON/ISLAMABAD - A deal between the United States and the Taliban
   to de-escalate the war in Afghanistan will likely include a
   communication mechanism to prevent military miscalculations during that
   time period, a U.S. official tells VOA.

   The communication mechanism would serve the same purpose as one set up
   between U.S. and Russian forces in Syria to avoid unsafe military
   incidents between Washington and its partner forces on one side, and
   Russian and Syrian government forces on the other.

   Multiple officials tell VOA the start date for a "reduction in
   violence" agreement between the U.S. and the Afghan Taliban is planned
   for Saturday.A senior U.S. defense official said the U.S. military
   would maintain its authority for self-defense and would continue U.S.
   counterterrorism operations and the training and advising of Afghan
   forces during this agreement period.

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