An explosion took place in Mazar-e-Sharif city in northern Balkh province of Afghanistan close to noon time today, leaving at least three people dead or wounded.

AVA- A security official confirmed the incident took place due to a magnetic bomb explosion at around 11 am local time.
 
The source further added that a magnetic bomb planted in a Hilux type vehicle went off close to Noor roundabout, leaving one dead and two others wounded.
 
No further details were given regarding the identities of those killed in the explosion and it is yet not clear if the victims had any links with the government or security institutions.
 
No individual or group has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.
 
Balkh is among the relatively calm provinces in northern parts of Afghanistan where insurgency related incidents are reported.
 
However, the anti-government armed militants have stepped up their efforts to destabilize some parts of the province, specifically attempting to expand their insurgency in some remote districts of the province.