U.S. commander: Do not avenge troop deaths

KABUL -- The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan called on his troops to resist any urge to avenge the death of two American soldiers killed in riots over the burning of Qurans at a U.S. base, even as renewed protests Friday killed at least seven people.

The anti-American demonstrations by thousands of Afghans were further evidence that President Barack Obama's apology has failed to quiet the outrage over what the United States says was the inadvertent destruction of the holy books.

The killing of the two U.S. soldiers and the civil unrest have further strained Afghanistan's relations with the United States. Afghan President Hamid Karzai is trying to negotiate a long-term partnership agreement with the United States to govern the activities of U.S. forces in his country after 2014, when most foreign combat troops will have left or taken on support roles.

The violence against coalition troops also comes at a time when many countries contributing to the force are seeking to accelerate their withdrawal from what has become an unpopular and costly war that has dragged on for more than 10 years.

In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest acknowledged that the burning of Qurans had created "difficult circumstances." "It is our view that we will work through these difficult circumstances and remain on track to making progress on our goals," Earnest said.

At least 20 people, including the two U.S. soldiers, have been killed in four days of violence.

Afghan officials said seven people were killed around the country Friday by Afghan security forces trying to disperse crowds or responding to gunfire from protesters.