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

 

There are reports that a gunbattle is taking place inside the complex.

 

Yemeni security forces are fighting regional rebels and al-Qaeda militants³, while struggling to control lawlessness and divisions within the army.

 

"The attack took place shortly after working hours started at the ministry when a suicide bomber⁴ drove a car into the gate," a ministry source said, quoted by Reuters.

 

"The explosion was very violent, the whole place shook because of it and plumes⁵ of smoke rose from the building," an eyewitness told the agency.

 

Officials said a second car followed whose occupants opened fire at the complex, and a battle ensued involving gunmen in military uniforms.

 

The incident follows a series of hit-and-run attacks on officials by militants on motorbikes, blamed on al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

 

The country has been going through a painful transition since President Ali Abdullah Saleh was forced from office in 2011.

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