The country's defense minister was at the scene of the attack but escaped unharmed, the Defense Ministry said.

The country's chief of staff, Ahmed al-Ashwal, was also present.

"We heard a massive explosion.

Minutes later, there were so many emergency vehicles, it seems as if hundreds were injured," said resident Ali al-Husseini, who was near the attack.

The soldiers were preparing for Tuesday's National Day of Unification ceremonies when they were attacked in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.

The blast wounded 36 other soldiers, the officials said.

The day celebrates the union of South Yemen and North Yemen on May 22, 1990, to form Yemen.

The attack took place about 200 meters (218 yards) from the presidential palace.

[link to www.cnn.com]