GARDEZ (PAN): Nine Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed and four others injured following a roadside bombing in southeastern Paktia province, an official said on Sunday.

The incident took place late on Saturday in the Sahak area of Zurmat district, Rohullah Samoon, the governor's spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

The soldiers were searching for roadside bombs planted beneath culverts in the area when the explosion occurred, he said. The injured soldiers were taken to a health facility of the 203rd Thunder Military Corps in stable condition, he concluded.

In Kabul, the Ministry of Interior confirmed the bomb attack. However, the ministry put the death toll at seven.

mrh/mbg/mud