A bomb fell from an Iraqi Sukhoi warplane and exploded in eastern Baghdad on Monday because of a "technical problem," killing at least 12 people, Iraqi officials said.

The plane - one of several Russian-made Sukhois used by Iraq in the fight against the Islamic State group - was returning to base when the accident happened, according to The Times Of India.

"One of the bombs became stuck because of a technical problem, and during its (the aircraft's) return to base it fell on three houses in Baghdad Jadida," security spokesman Brigadier General Saad Maan said in a statement, according to AFP.

Three children and two women were among the 12 killed, a police officer at the scene and a medical official at a nearby hospital said. At least 25 people were wounded, the two officials added, according to US News.

AP footage from the scene shows rescue teams in orange jumpsuits and blue helmets searching through the rubble for victims. At least one victim was seen wrapped with a blanket and being rushed to an ambulance.

Iraq is going through its worst crisis since the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 2011. In fact, Baghdad is atop the list of cities with the highest risk of a terrorist attack.

All officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to release information.