At least 21 people have been martyred and more than 80 injured after a powerful explosion near a mosque at Kohat Police Lines in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to senior police and health officials.
The Kohat mosque blast occurred on Friday near the Old Police Lines. Initial reports said an explosives-laden vehicle struck the police compound.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed said the attack involved a vehicle-borne suicide bomber. Police later reported that security personnel were conducting a clearance operation inside the compound.
Police Personnel Among Those Killed
The latest reported death toll includes 15 police officials, according to District Health Officer Dr Nasir Hassan Afridi.
More than 80 people also suffered injuries. Three of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene after the explosion and began evacuating the wounded.
Earlier updates from Rescue 1122 said more than 20 injured people had already been taken to nearby hospitals. The service also deployed 14 ambulances and more than 35 rescue personnel.
Security Forces Launch Clearance Operation
Following the Kohat mosque blast, police and security forces sealed off the area.
According to the KP inspector general, the attacker initially targeted the gate of the police facility. Some attackers then moved toward buildings used by the Counter Terrorism Department and Special Branch, where security personnel engaged them.
Authorities continued searching the compound as part of the security operation.
Officials are also investigating the exact sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Blast Occurred Near Police Facilities
The mosque is located inside or near the Kohat Police Lines, where several important police offices operate.
Police officials said the Counter Terrorism Department office is also located within the Old Police Lines.
The explosion damaged part of the compound, while rescue workers and local residents searched through rubble for survivors.
As a result, authorities closed routes leading toward the police lines and increased security around the area.
Investigation Into Kohat Attack Continues
Security agencies have begun collecting evidence from the scene.
Officials are working to establish how the attackers entered the area and determine the full sequence of the assault.
The militant alliance led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur has claimed responsibility, according to Dawn. However, authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack and those involved.
The casualty figures have also changed as officials continue to assess the situation.
Kohat Has Faced Previous Attacks
The latest incident comes after other deadly attacks in Kohat this year.
In February, unidentified gunmen attacked a police vehicle on Shakardara Road while officers were transporting two suspects.
Five people were killed in that incident, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Lachi Asad Mehmood, according to police officials cited in the original report.
Several Frontier Corps personnel also suffered injuries.
Rescue Efforts Continue
Rescue workers remain involved in relief operations at the blast site.
Hospitals in Kohat have received injured victims for treatment, while officials continue to assess the condition of those wounded.
Meanwhile, security forces have maintained a cordon around the affected area.
The Kohat mosque blast remains a developing story, and officials are expected to provide further updates as the investigation and clearance operation continue.
