Kohat: At least 21 people, including six civilians and 15 police officers, were killed and over 100 others wounded in a suicide bombing targeting a police compound in northwestern Pakistan during Friday prayers, local media reported, citing officials.
According to Anadolu Agency, the casualties occurred when an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the Old Police Lines gate in the Kohat district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. A senior police official mentioned that the attack was devastating, with local broadcaster Geo News providing updates on the unfolding situation.
Tahir Ali Shah, the top official at Kohat District Hospital, confirmed that 15 bodies were brought to the healthcare facility, in addition to numerous wounded individuals. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning.
Police reported that six "terrorists," including a suicide bomber, were killed. A clearance operation is underway to ensure the area is secure. The explosion left a significant crater outside the mosque in the police compound, indicating the intensity of the blast.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police inspector general revealed that another suicide blast occurred at a special branch police building during an exchange of gunfire, further complicating the security situation.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed regret over the casualties, emphasizing the need for the complete elimination of 'Fitna al-Khawarij', a term used by Islamabad to refer to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan group. He stressed the importance of targeting terrorists to ensure national security.
In a separate incident, Pakistani security forces killed seven militants in two operations in the southwestern Balochistan province, as reported by state-run Radio Pakistan.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "strongly condemns" the bomb attack. Guterres conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He underscored the unacceptability of attacks targeting civilians and places of worship and called for accountability and justice for those responsible.
Guterres also expressed solidarity with the people and government of Pakistan in their efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.