KOHAT (Kashmir English): At least 21 people were martyred, including 15 police personnel, and 103 were injured in a terrorist attack at old police lines in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Friday, hospital officials said.
As per the report issued by District Health Officer Kohat Dr Nasir Afridi, the injured include 73 police officials and 30 civilians. “Among the injured, 13 have been admitted at Liaqat Memorial Hospital (LMH) and 90 at DHQ Kohat.”
According to officials, SP Traffic Akbar Shinwari and Dr Israel Orakzai, Chief District Specialist (Pediatrics) at LMH Kohat, were among those martyred in the attack.
“The situation is being closely monitored, and all possible medical assistance is being provided to the injured at the concerned health facilities,” the report stated.
According to police, the explosion occurred during Friday prayers, resulting in a crater outside the mosque, while the exterior of the mosque was severely damaged and a wall also collapsed.
Earlier in a statement, Inspector General (IG) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed said that an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the building, resulting in a massive explosion outside the mosque.
He said that some terrorists headed towards the adjacent Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) building, where they were neutralised, while around three militants went to the Special Branch building.
During the first explosion and exchange of fire, another suicide bomb was detonated at the Special Branch building, IG said.
The statement detailed that seven terrorists had attempted to infiltrate Police Lines after the explosion. “So far, 6 terrorists, including a suicide bomber and a sniper, have been killed,” the official said.
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