Nine people were killed in landmine explosions in the border region of Dehloran in the western province of Ilam on Saturday, IRNA reported on Monday quoting a local official.

Head of the provincial coroners' office, Javad Salari told IRNA Monday that the victims were from a 160-member group intending to illegally cross the Iraqi border for pilgrimage to religious sites in Iraq when the blasts occurred.

According to the official two victims were Afghans and the nationality of two others have yet to be determined.

Referring to dangers and perils facing pilgrims en route to Iraq, Salari called on people not to be tempted by certain guides for crossing the border illegally.