A roadside bomb killed seven petroleum company employees aboard a bus in northern Afghanistan on Tuesday, a provincial police spokesman said.
"The bomb was placed in a cart by the roadside. It was detonated as the bus arrived," said Asif Waziri, of the Balkh police department in Mazar-i-Sharif.
Although the Taliban claim to have improved security across the nation since storming back to power in August last year, there have been scores of bomb blasts and attacks — many claimed by the local chapter of the Daesh group.
At least 19 people were killed and 24 others wounded earlier this month by a blast at a madrassa in Aybak, southeast of Mazar-i-Sharif.
Waziri told AFP Tuesday's blast happened around 7:00 am (0230 GMT) near Sayed Abad Square in the city.
He said six people were injured in the blast.
Further details were not immediately available, and there has been no claim of responsibility.
Malaysian PM conveys condolences on "heart-wrenching" tragedy
Bad news for the former president as prosecutors can question him from prior cases
Long Beach man finds stolen car using Apple AirTag
Alexander the Great's bronze portrait is discovered in Denmark
Moscow, Washington boost military expenditure to reach $109 and $916 billion, respectively
Welsh journalist, presenter leaves BBC after 40 years of service