KOHAT (Kashmir English): At least 16 people, including five police officials, were martyred and 57 injured after explosions targeted a mosque inside Kohat Old Police Lines during Friday prayers, according to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.
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 headed towards the Counter Terrorism Department building, where they were neutralised, while around three 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, have been killed,” the official said.
According to the KP Central Police Office, the slain terrorists also included a suicide bomber and a sniper.
Earlier, an official said that an emergency has been declared at the DHQ Hospital in Kohat, and rescue operations are underway.
Some injured have been immediately shifted to CMH Kohat, sources said. The treatment of the injured police personnel and citizens is ongoing at CMH Kohat, security sources added.
Sources further said that, as per the initial information, the attackers involved in a cowardly act of terrorism belong to Afghanistan. The attack was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen.
Security forces have cordoned off the area, while police and army personnel are conducting operations in and around the site.
Following the explosions, IG Zulfiqar Hameed and Additional IG (AIG) Counter Terrorism Department reached the site.
According to the police, AIG CTD and Regional Police Officer Kohat are directly commanding the operation against the terrorists under the direct supervision of IG KP.
“The operation against the terrorists has entered its final stages, and the clearance process is underway in the area,” police said.
IG Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed said that the terrorists and their facilitators are being tracked down and their complete elimination will be ensured.
KP Police said that the operation will continue until the area is cleared and the presence of the terrorists is completely eliminated.
Security has been heightened in the area, with the Kohat-Hangu Road reportedly closed to traffic following the incident.
