The blast hit a vehicle out on patrol in Paktiya province Saturday, said provincial spokesman Rohullah Samoon, blaming the attack on the Taliban.

"The incident happened yesterday afternoon in the Sahak area of Zurmat district," he told AFP. "It was a roadside bomb that blew up the Afghan army vehicle and martyred nine soldiers and wounded four."

The wounded soldiers were taken to a nearby hospital, he said, adding that their injuries were not life-threatening.