Nine soldiers are among the dead as bombers targeted military vehicles when they passed through a crowded area.

Several more explosions were heard in the city later on the day, but there were no reports of casualities.

The attacks follow threats by Taliban militants to send out thousands of suicide bombers.

The earlier explosions took place near the RA Bazaar, in a busy residential and shopping area where army and security agencies have facilities.

No group has yet claimed the responsibility for the attacks.

In the last six months, hundreds of civilians have been killed in militant attacks across the country.