Explosion hits weapons depot in southern Iraq

BAGHDAD: A huge explosion struck an ammunition storage depot belonging to the pro-government Hashd al-Shaabi militia in the southern Babil province on Saturday, according to a local police officer.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, First Lieutenant Ihsan Khalid said the explosion took place inside the depot in Al-Kifl town, south of Hillah city in southern Iraq.

He said a number of rockets were fired into the sky following the blast, causing panic among local residents.

No information has yet been made available about casualties or damage.

He said an investigation has been launched into the explosion, of which the cause is not yet known.