<p>A large explosion rocked the centre of Iraq's southern city of Basra on Monday, with local news reports saying there are multiple casualties.</p>.<p>It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion, which sent a column of black smoke into the sky. Local reports, however, said it was likely a car bomb.</p>.<p>Explosions have been rare in Basra in recent years, particularly since the defeat of the Sunni militant Islamic State group in 2017.</p>.<p>The oil-rich Basra is predominantly Shiite. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion. </p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>
<p>A large explosion rocked the centre of Iraq's southern city of Basra on Monday, with local news reports saying there are multiple casualties.</p>.<p>It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion, which sent a column of black smoke into the sky. Local reports, however, said it was likely a car bomb.</p>.<p>Explosions have been rare in Basra in recent years, particularly since the defeat of the Sunni militant Islamic State group in 2017.</p>.<p>The oil-rich Basra is predominantly Shiite. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion. </p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>