Afghanistan, US agree on night raids deal

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Afghan government says it has reached a deal with the US to govern controversial night raids by American forces.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry says the memorandum of understanding on special operations will be signed later Sunday by Defense Minister Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak and the commander of US forces, Gen. John Allen.

A US Army soldier conducts a search in an Afghan compound during a joint mission with the Afghan Army, in the Maiwand district in Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan April 7, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

US officials declined to comment on the deal before it was signed.

Night raids have been a constant source of tension between the Afghan government and US military.

The agreement is a key step toward a long-term partnership to govern US forces in Afghanistan after the majority of combat forces leave in 2014.

US soldiers walk through a poppy field during a joint mission with the Afghan Army in the Maiwand district in Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan April 7, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]