At least 70 people were killed and dozens wounded in the blast at an ammunition factory near Yemeni town of Jaar, ITAR TASS reports referring to local mass media.

According to a security official, the explosion came as local  residents were inside the factory searching for ammunition, a day after an attack by Al-Qaeda suspects.

Yemeni authorities’ struggle against terrorists is accompanied by anti-governmental demonstrations in the country.

A wave of mass demonstration has swept away in Yemen since February against President Saleh, who has been in power for 32 years.