Afghan official confirm death of 10 civilians in roadside bombs

An Afghan official says at least 10 people have been killed in two explosions in the eastern province of Paktia. Naqib Ahmad Atal, spokesman for the provincial governor, says five members of one family died when their vehicle struck a hidden roadside bomb. He says another five people were killed when their tractor hit a similar devise an hour later on Friday afternoon.

Both incidents happened in Chamkani district. Atal blamed Taliban fighters who are active in the area and regularly seed the roads with bombs. He said Taliban uses such terrorising tactics to intimidate local residents. The United Nations says the Taliban is responsible for the vast majority of civilians killed and wounded in the war. 

The world body has said that 1,601 died in the first half of 2016.