The U.S. would continue to provide extensive support to Afghanistan – including assistance in security operations – under terms of a proposed security and defense cooperation agreement that was drafted in July. NBC News first reported about the document’s existence on Nov. 19. According to the unsigned document, the U.S. would advise, train, equip and support the Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) as long as such assistance is required. The agreement would include a provision for "improving ANSF capabilities for fire support, including artillery," sharing intelligence, bolstering Afghan air force capabilities, and conducting joint military exercises. While the Afghan army and police would remain responsible for the nation’s overall security, the U.S. "shall stand ready to urgently determine it can [appropriately] provide." The U.S. would focus particularly on deterring "any external aggression, or threat of external aggression, against the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan."