An ammunitions factory in southern Yemen has exploded and reportedly killed at least 50 people, with many more injured.

A series of explosions at the plant, close to Jaar, came after it was seized by militants.

The factory makes Kalashnikov rifles and munitions. The death toll at the plant is expected to rise above 50, according to doctors from a nearby hospital.

Reports on various news agencies said that Islamist militants had taken control of Jaar and the surrounding villages and had clashed with government forces.