America and Afghanistan have agreed on a security pact that could clear the way for thousands of US troops to train and assist Afghan forces after the Nato combat mission ends in 2014.

A suicide bomber tore through the Afghan capital, killing at least six people near the site where thousands of elders are to gather next week to discuss a controversial security agreement with the United States, officials said.

REMNANTS of Afghanistan’s ousted Taliban claimed responsibility yesterday for a suicide attack in Kabul that killed five security officials and two bombers, and vowed to launch a fresh wave of violence aimed at cities.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has postponed for two months the process of approving a new constitution, his spokesman said today, but insisted that historic elections scheduled for next year will take place on time.

Two new attacks were reported today on US-led forces in Afghanistan - part of an upsurge in fighting now warmer weather has made it easier for fighters to move around the mountainous terrain.