Afghanistan Landmine Explosion Kills 11, Injures Others

At least 11 pilgrims, including seven children, were killed Monday, July 15, when their vehicle set off a landmine in southern Afghanistan, according to local government and health officials. A senior health official said that an additional 22 children and eight women were critically wounded in the blast in the Khakrez district of Kandahar province. The pilgrims were traveling to the tomb of Sufi Shah Agha, a companion and relative of the Prophet Mohammad. Last year, at least 1,415 Afghan civilians were killed or injured by landmines and unexploded munitions, with children making up one-third of overall casualties.