A coordinated attack on the police headquarters in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killed 21 people, including 15 police officers, and wounded more than 70. An explosive‑laden vehicle struck the mosque entrance as officers and worshippers assembled for Friday prayers, after which gunmen entered the compound and one detonated an explosive belt. Authorities said at least seven attackers were killed and cautioned the death toll could rise as several injured remain in critical condition. No group has claimed responsibility; regional Islamic State affiliates and the Pakistani Taliban are active in the area amid rising cross‑border tensions with Afghanistan.
Kohat Police Complex Attack Kills 21, Including 15 Officers; Mosque Targeted During Friday Prayers
FILE PHOTO - Security officials stand guard to heighten safety measures during a Shiite religious procession on M.A. Jinnah Road. (is associated with: «Bombing at police compound in Pakistan kills 21, including 15 officers») Ppi/PPI via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
A coordinated assault on the police headquarters compound in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Friday left 21 people dead, including 15 police officers, officials said. Police later reported that at least seven of the attackers were also killed during the incident.
Authorities said an explosive‑laden vehicle rammed the entrance of a mosque inside the police compound and detonated as officers and worshippers were assembling for Friday prayers. Armed assailants then forced their way into the compound and one detonated an explosive belt, according to police sources.
The blast caused significant damage to parts of the compound and nearby buildings. Television footage broadcast by Geo showed people fleeing in panic and bodies on the ground. Videos shared on social media and verified by dpa showed a badly damaged façade and residents and responders clearing rubble.
More than 70 people were injured. Dr Tahir Shah cautioned the death toll could rise because several of the wounded were reported to be in critical condition. Local authorities said investigations and rescue operations continued into the evening.
No group immediately claimed responsibility. A regional affiliate of the Islamic State and the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) are both active in the area and have frequently targeted security forces, officials noted.
Context
Violence in Pakistan's remote border regions has surged in recent years. In early August, a suicide attack outside a police station in the Swat Valley killed 14 people during a protest against escalating violence. Islamabad accuses Afghanistan's Taliban rulers of allowing militants to operate from Afghan soil; Kabul denies the allegation. Tensions and exchanges of fire along the border have increased in recent months.
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