News - Afghanistan

At least seven children were killed in a roadside mine blast in western Ghor province on Tuesday afternoon, local officials said.

The blast happened in the Teura district of the province while the children were playing, provincial spokesman Abdul Hai Khatibi said.

No group, including the Taliban, has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Insurgents frequently place improvised explosive devices (IED) in or on the road to target Afghan and Nato troops, but most of the victims are civilians.

Civilian casualties from IEDs are a serious concern in armed conflicts.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recently urged parties to conflict to do more to comply with international humanitarian and human rights laws.

"All violations require our attention and action. But some demand particular scrutiny. Among them: the growing use of explosive weapons in populated areas," he said.

He also urged for a more systematic engagement with non-state armed groups.

These groups, the Secretary-General said, must understand their responsibilities and the consequences of violating these laws.