At least 16 people have been killed and more than 56 injured following a bomb attack and subsequent gun battle at a mosque in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Friday.
The attack took place at a mosque located within a police headquarters as worshippers gathered for Friday prayers. According to reports, an explosives-laden vehicle was driven into the entrance of the mosque before the explosion.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police chief Zulfikar Hameed confirmed that the bombing was a suicide attack. Following the blast, armed attackers attempted to enter the police compound, leading to an exchange of fire with security personnel.
Hospital and rescue officials reported that five police officers and 10 civilians were among those killed, while dozens of others were wounded. Most of the injured were worshippers. Some victims were initially taken to hospital in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could increase.
The explosion caused significant damage to the mosque, while the outer wall of the police station also collapsed. Residents reported hearing the blast from a considerable distance.
No group had immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in the initial reports. However, armed groups including the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) and an ISIL affiliate are active in the wider region and have previously targeted security forces.
The attack came a day after a roadside bombing in nearby Hangu district killed six soldiers, according to reports. The latest violence adds to security concerns in northwestern Pakistan, particularly in areas close to the Afghan border.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and directed authorities to speed up rescue and relief operations. The Interior Ministry also said the attack would not weaken the country’s efforts against militancy.
The incident has renewed concerns over attacks on places of worship and security installations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militant violence has increased in recent years. Authorities are continuing investigations into the attack and the identities of those responsible.