Taliban

Zalmay Khalilzad was in the region to pave the way for intra-Afghan negotiations.

It also noted that the Taliban have helped in the fight against the Islamic State group.

Taliban officials say they are considering an extension of the cease-fire.

All were aimed at resuscitating a U.S.-Taliban peace deal signed in February.

Navy commandos raided a village and detained suspected members of the Taliban-linked Haqqani network.

A full withdrawal in 14 months is called for in the peace plan.

Akhund said authorities are investigating reports civilians attending a wedding died in the raid Sunday night in Musa Qala.

Even as the bombs went off in Afghanistan, the Taliban were on the move looking for support.

Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Qais Mangal confirmed the attack but refused to discuss casualties.