May 12

A large explosion ripped through a gas station in Yemen's southern province of Abyan on Thursday, killing three people and injuring six others, a local security official told Xinhua.

"A gas tank exploded at a station owned by a local businessman in the town of Jaar in Abyan province, killing at least three people and wounding six others at the scene," the official said on condition of anonymity.

According to the official, the blast, taking place near a densely populated area, completely destroyed the gas station and caused damage to nearby buildings and vehicles, as well as triggered panic and fear among local residents.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing and an investigation initiated by local security authorities is underway.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a staggering number of casualties and has plunged the Arab world's poorest country into humanitarian crises, including widespread famine.

xinhua