Kohat (National Times) At least 21 people, including 16 police personnel and five civilians, were killed while 78 others sustained injuries in a suicide attack near the police lines in Kohat during Friday prayers.
According to police officials, the explosion took place during the Friday prayer at a mosque near the police lines. The powerful blast left a large crater outside the mosque, severely damaged its outer structure and caused one of its walls to collapse.
District Police Officer Kohat Dr Nasir Hussain confirmed that 21 people were killed in the attack. The deceased included 16 police officials and five civilians, while 78 people were injured.
Explosive-Laden Vehicle Hits Police Lines Gate
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hamid told Geo News that an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the old police lines, triggering a powerful explosion.
He said that firing also took place following the blast. During the exchange of fire, another suicide explosion occurred inside the building of the Special Branch, according to the IG.
The incident prompted a security operation in and around the police lines.
Seven Militants Enter Police Lines
The Central Police Office in Peshawar said that seven armed militants had entered the police lines.
Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) engaged the attackers and mounted a counter-operation. According to officials, six militants have so far been killed.
The Central Police Office said those killed included a suicide bomber and a sniper.
Security sources said police and security forces had cordoned off the area as the security operation continued.
Emergency Declared at DHQ Hospital
The injured were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kohat for medical treatment. Police personnel were also among those wounded.
Medical Superintendent of DHQ Hospital Tahir Ali Shah said an emergency had been declared at the hospital and medical staff had been mobilised to deal with the casualties.
Authorities said arrangements were also being made to provide necessary treatment to seriously injured victims and transfer them to other hospitals if required.
Kohat-Hangu Road Closed
Police said the Kohat-Hangu Road had been closed to all traffic following the attack to facilitate rescue and security operations.
Additional police personnel were also deployed around the police lines.
Rescue officials said nearby buildings were damaged by the blast, while rescue and relief activities continued at the site.
KP Chief Minister Seeks Report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the Kohat blast and sought a detailed report from the police authorities.
He directed officials to examine all aspects of the incident and submit a comprehensive report.
The chief minister strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an extremely tragic and unacceptable incident. He directed authorities to utilise all available resources to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured.
He also instructed hospitals to ensure the availability of necessary medical facilities and directed officials to make arrangements for shifting critically injured patients to other hospitals where necessary.
Sohail Afridi said such acts of terrorism could not undermine the nation’s resolve.
