9 civilians killed in landmine explosion in S. Afghanistan

Nine civilians were killed and 18 others injured in a landmine explosion in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province on Monday, the provincial governor said Monday.

"The incident occurred when a truck carrying civilians set off a landmine in Darhazab locality of Khakriz district at around midday," Governor Hayyatullah Hayyat told Xinhua.

The wounded people were shifted to a district hospital and the death toll may rise as many injured were in critical condition, he said.

The ill-fated vehicle was travelling from the provincial capital Kandahar city to Khakriz along the dusty road.

He blamed enemies of peace, referring to the Taliban militant group, for the attack.

Taliban militants have been using roadside bombs and landmines to target security forces, but the lethal home-made weapons also inflict casualties on civilians.