Sanaa , Yemen ( CNN ) -- The death toll from an explosion Monday at an ammunition factory in southern Yemen has risen to 150 , a government official and medical source said Tuesday . Eighty-five people were injured in the blast in Abyan Province , some critically , said the official , who asked not to be named out of fears for his safety . Eyewitnesses reported that about half of those killed were women and children . Security officials said Monday that most of the dead and injured were locals who had been ransacking the factory after it was taken over by militants Sunday . The provincial governor on Tuesday blamed al Qaeda for the explosion , the nation 's official news agency , Saba , reported . At a meeting , Gov . Saleh al-Zawari `` stressed the importance of cohesion and solidarity to stand together against these criminal and terrorist elements who try to hit the social peace in the governorate , '' Saba said . The explosion took place after months of demonstrations targeting Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh , as well as a weekend of clashes between government forces and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula . People on both sides were killed , security forces said . Protests were taking place Tuesday in 11 locations throughout the country , with the largest crowds estimated in Taiz province , followed by the capital , Sanaa , witnesses said . Smaller crowds were seen in the provinces of Aden , Hodieda , Abyan , Shabwa , Mahweet , Baitha , Dhamar , Lahj and Hajjah , according to witnesses . `` We will continue for days , weeks and even months if we have to , '' said Adel Qubati , a youth activist in Taiz . `` President Saleh 's tricks will only buy him more time , and we will assure that he leaves office in disgrace . '' Another young activist , Nofel Abdul Moqni , said , `` Every day we stay under the sun protesting makes us stronger . '' Saleh has been fighting to hold onto power , arguing that he is best equipped to lead the fight against Islamists . Yemen has been facing protests from people citing government corruption , a lack of political freedom , and high unemployment . Calls for Saleh 's ouster have increased in recent weeks following revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia . Saleh has ruled since 1978 . Saleh said Sunday he will not offer any more concessions , and he described the opposition as an alliance against the country 's majority , according to Saba . Opposition leaders rejected the president 's comments . The country has been wracked by a Shiite Muslim uprising , a U.S.-aided crackdown on al Qaeda operatives , and a looming shortage of water . Saleh has been a staunch U.S. ally in the fight against al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula . The president has said he accepts opposition demands for constitutional reforms and holding parliamentary elections by the end of the year . Saleh has also promised not to run for president in the next round of elections . CNN 's Mohammed Jamjoom and journalist Hakim Almasmari contributed to this report .
NEW : The provincial governor blames CNN for the blast . Officials say scores are dead and half people are injured , some critically . Witnesses report that half of those killed were women and children . The blast months comes after Monday of demonstrations in U.S. .