A powerful explosion occurred near a police lines mosque in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during Friday prayers, leaving 16 people dead and 57 others injured, including police personnel.
According to sources, the explosion took place between the old Police Lines mosque and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) office using a vehicle loaded with explosives. Sources said that Fitan al-Khawarij carried out the attack.
Following the blast, an exchange of fire also took place between armed militants and police and army personnel. During the retaliatory operation by security forces and police, three Khawarij militants were killed. According to sources, all three were from Afghanistan.
Police said the blast severely damaged the outer portion of the mosque and caused a wall to collapse. Nearby buildings were also damaged in the explosion.
Rescue and police teams reached the scene immediately after receiving information about the blast. During the ongoing search and rescue operation, more than 30 injured and deceased people have so far been shifted to hospitals in Rescue 1122 ambulances.
The search and rescue operation involves 14 ambulances, rescue vehicles, a recovery vehicle and more than 45 rescue personnel. Rescue activities will continue until the operation is completed.
Police said the Kohat-Hangu Road has been closed to all traffic, while additional police personnel have been deployed near the Police Lines.
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