At least 12 people were reportedly killed and 5 others wounded when a bomb-laden van exploded in the southern Iraqi city of Karbala.

An explosion near the 54^th checkpoint at the entrance to Karbala killed 12 people and wounded 5 others, Iraq's Defense Ministry said in a written statement.

Officials from the Karbala Provincial Health Directorate said some people inside the van were burned as a result of the detonation of the bomb-laden vehicle, while the wounded were taken to hospitals for treatment. (ILKHA)