Explosion at Yemen weapons depot kills 10 soldiers and civilians in northern city

SANA, Yemen – A Yemeni military official says an explosion at a military weapons depot in northern Yemen has killed 10 civilians and soldiers.

The blast took place in the city of Abss, some 170 kilometers (106 miles) north of Sanaa, the official said.

Among the dead were two children and five soldiers, according to the official. He also said that shrapnel hit a nearby village, demolishing parts of three houses and injuring at least seven people.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

It is not clear what caused the explosion, but similar incidents have taken place before when thieves have attempted to steal weapons from military stockpiles.