Afghan response to attacks 'sign of progress': U.S. envoy

WASHINGTON — US Ambassador Ryan Crocker to Kabul said the ability of Afghan security forces to respond to a wave of coordinated attacks Sunday across Afghanistan were a "clear sign of progress."

"We've seen a very professional performance by Afghan security forces," Crocker told CNN on Sunday after militants launched a series of gun and suicide attacks which they said marked the start of a spring offensive.

"They are able to deal with events like this on their own. A clear sign of progress," he said.

The attacks however also "demonstrate why we need to be here," said Crocker, after the US embassy was put on lockdown during attacks that highlighted a precarious security situation as NATO prepares to withdraw combat troops by the end of 2014.

"To get out before the Afghans have a full grip on security, which is a couple of years out, would be to invite the Taliban and Al-Qaeda back in, and set the stage for another 9/11... that, I think, is an unacceptable risk," Crocker said, referring to 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.