US in talks with Taliban on re-establishing counterterrorism forces to Afghan base, WSJ reports

FILE PHOTO: Parked vehicles are seen in Bagram U.S. air base, after American troops vacated it, in Parwan province, Afghanistan July 5, 2021. REUTERS/Mohammad Ismail/ File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is in discussions with the Taliban about re-establishing a small U.S. military presence at Afghanistan's Bagram air base as a launch point for counterterrorism operations, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of the negotiations.

The Journal, citing a U.S. official, also reported that the talks - headed by Special Envoy for hostage response Adam Boehler - include a potential prisoner exchange, a possible economic deal and a security component.