At least 12 soldiers were killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion struck a military camp in Yemen's southern port city of Aden early Thursday, according to local media reports.

The blast occurred at a camp operated by the pro-government Giants Brigades in the Al-Mimdara district of Aden, a security official told local media on condition of anonymity.

According to preliminary information, the explosion was caused by an electrical short circuit inside an ammunition storage facility at the camp.

The official said the short circuit triggered a fire that spread through the depot, setting off a series of explosions that were heard across large parts of the city.

Witnesses reported seeing flames and thick plumes of smoke rising from the military installation, followed by multiple secondary explosions that echoed through nearby neighborhoods.

The Giants Brigades are among the forces aligned with Yemen's internationally recognized government and have played a significant role in military operations against armed groups in different parts of the country.

No official statement has yet been issued regarding the incident, and authorities have not released detailed information on the full extent of the damage.

An investigation is expected to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the explosion. (ILKHA)