Witnesses and officials said a strong explosion Thursday rocked the southern city of Aden, close to the presidential palace housing the internationally-recognized president and his cabinet.

The officials said a suspected car bomb was detonated around one kilometer away from the palace according to ABC News on Thursday.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and there was no immediate report on casualties.

Saudi-led coalition and southern fighters recaptured Aden from Shiite rebels in the summer of 2015, and the city has since descended into lawlessness. Both Islamic State group and al Qaida affiliates have as strong presence in Aden.

IS has claimed responsibility for series of large attacks in the city, including the assassination of a city governor last year and the bombing of a building that formerly housed the cabinet.

Source: MENA