Roadside mine kills dozens in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 28 (UPI) -- At least 25 people were killed and 20 injured Wednesday when their bus struck a roadside mine in southern Afghanistan, a government official said.

The bus filled with civilians was traveling from Zarani, the capital of Nimruz Province, to Kabul when it struck the mine, The New York Times reported.

No group has claimed responsibility for the mine but the governor of Nimruz Province said the planting of roadside bombs was a tactic employed by Taliban insurgents.

Passengers on the bus included women and children, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The blast took place near the border with Helmand Province that has seen heavy fighting between NATO forces and Taliban insurgents.

A NATO patrol in the area at the time helped treat the injured, military officials said.

Many Afghans cannot afford cars and rely on packed passenger buses and minivans to travel between major cities, the Times said.