16 Killed in Suicide Attack During Friday Prayers at Kohat Police Lines

At least 16 people, including five police personnel, were killed in a suicide attack during Friday prayers near a mosque at the Old Police Lines in Kohat, Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. More than 50 people were reportedly injured in the attack.
The incident took place on Friday, September 18, near the old police facility in Kohat, according to local media outlet Geo News. International news agencies also confirmed the attack, citing Pakistani police and hospital officials.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Inspector General Zulfikar Hameed said an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the Old Police Lines before exploding. Gunmen then opened fire in the area.
A second suicide blast reportedly took place at the Special Branch building during an exchange of fire between the attackers and police, Hameed said. The explosion severely damaged the outer section of the mosque and caused part of a wall to collapse.
In a statement, the Central Police Office said seven armed militants attempted to enter the police lines following the initial blast. Police and members of the Counter Terrorism Department engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
Police said six attackers were killed during the operation, including a suicide bomber and a sniper. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Tahir Ali Shah, medical superintendent of Kohat District Headquarters Hospital, said 15 bodies and more than 50 injured people were initially brought to the hospital. Police later raised the death toll to 16. The dead included 11 civilians and five police officers.
Authorities closed the Kohat-Hangu road following the attack. The district hospital declared an emergency to treat the injured, while rescue teams continued operations at the scene. Security forces also carried out a clearance operation inside the police facility.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other Pakistani political leaders condemned the attack. They expressed condolences to the families of the victims and vowed to take action against those responsible.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains one of Pakistan’s most violence-prone regions, with security forces frequently targeted by armed groups. The timing and location of the attack—during Friday prayers near a police facility—have raised fresh concerns over the country’s security situation.

Ashik/The Mirror News.