One American , two others died in attack near Kabul . `` As we consider our post-2014 military and civilian presence , it is important that we work closely with President Karzai to understand his views about how we can best support his country while we pursue our core objectives and responsibly wind down the war , '' the statement said . US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta visited Kandahar hours before blast . ` ` Brave Taliban ' '' detonated the bomb , the group says . Panetta , Obama invited Karzai to visit Afghanistan early next year .
One American , two others died in attack near Kabul . US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta visited Kandahar hours before blast . ` ` Brave Taliban ' '' detonated the bomb , the group says . Panetta , Obama invited Karzai to visit Afghanistan early next year .