In Afghanistan, an explosion has killed 20 people and wounded 12 others in western Herat province, over 600 Kilometres west of the capital, Kabul.

A spokesman for the provincial governor said the incident occurred at around 9 a.m. local time on Thursday when a mini-bus was hit either by a landmine or another type of roadside explosive. Women and children are among the victims.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the bombing.