Suicide Bombing at Kohat Police Lines Leaves 16 Dead, More Than 50 Injured

KOHAT: At least 16 people, including five police personnel and 11 civilians, were killed and more than 50 others injured in a suicide bombing near the police lines in Kohat during Friday prayers, according to police officials.

Police said the explosion occurred after a vehicle laden with explosives rammed into the gate of the old police lines during Friday prayers. The blast damaged the outer portion of a nearby mosque, caused a wall to collapse and affected surrounding buildings.

According to the Central Police Office, seven armed militants had entered the police lines following the explosion. Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department engaged the attackers, killing six militants, including the suicide bomber and a sniper. A clearance operation was subsequently conducted in the area.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed told Geo News that the explosives-laden vehicle was driven into the gate before the blast, followed by firing in the area.

The injured were shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Kohat, where an emergency was declared. Police also closed the Kohat-Hangu Road to traffic following the attack.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed authorities to ensure the provision of immediate and quality medical treatment to the injured. He said eliminating terrorism and militant groups was essential for national security.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also took notice of the incident and sought a report from police authorities. He directed officials to utilise all available resources for the treatment of the injured and ensure necessary medical facilities at hospitals.