21 Martyred, 103 Injured in Suicide Attack at Kohat Police Lines Mosque
KOHAT: At least 21 people, including 15 police personnel and six civilians, were martyred, while 103 others were injured in a deadly attack at the old Police Lines in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during Friday prayers on September 18. Among the injured are reportedly 73 police personnel and 30 civilians.
According to police officials, an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the old Police Lines, triggering an explosion near the mosque during Friday prayers. A subsequent suicide blast was also reported near the Special Branch building, while armed attackers attempted to enter the police compound.
Police and Counter-Terrorism Department personnel engaged the attackers. Officials said seven armed militants had infiltrated the Police Lines, while six attackers, including a suicide bomber and a sniper, were killed during the ensuing operation. A clearance operation was launched to secure the area.
The blast caused significant damage to the mosque and nearby structures, with part of a wall collapsing. Rescue 1122 teams transported the injured to hospitals, while additional ambulances and rescue personnel were brought in from Karak and Hangu to assist with the emergency response.
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The funeral prayers of those martyred in the attack were offered, attended by senior police and government officials, military representatives, the victims’ families and a large number of local residents. Police personnel also presented a guard of honour to the deceased before their bodies were transported to their native areas.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid said police were pursuing the attackers and their facilitators. The General Officer Commanding Kohat also visited the site and met personnel involved in the clearance operation. According to officials, more than 60 rescue personnel, along with ambulances and rescue vehicles, participated in the emergency response.
Note: Casualty figures and the reported number of attackers changed during the day as authorities updated their assessments; the figures above reflect the latest reports available at the time of writing.
