DHAKA: An explosion and fighting have been reported near Yemen`s defence ministry building in the capital Sanaa.

Smoke was seen rising from the complex in Bab al-Yaman district, at the entrance to the old city, reports the BBC.

Witnesses heard gunshots as an ambulance rushed to the scene. The cause of the blast is not yet clear.

Yemeni security forces are fighting regional rebels and al-Qaeda militants, while struggling to control lawlessness and divisions within the army.