The clearance operation at Kohat Police Lines continued on Saturday after a deadly attack targeted the Police Lines mosque, raising the death toll to 22 and the number of injured to 130. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) confirmed militants from the group ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’ infiltrated the Special Branch building following a suicide bombing at the mosque, prompting security forces to launch a clearance operation within the high-security compound.
During the ongoing operation, multiple militants were killed, with security forces still engaged in neutralizing the attackers. Earlier reports from police indicated six militants had been eliminated in the operation. The CTD’s additional inspector general has been actively leading the operation on the frontline since Friday afternoon. Notably, he sustained a hand injury from a grenade thrown by militants but returned to command after receiving initial medical treatment.
The attack occurred around 1:20 pm on Friday during prayers, triggering intense gunfire between security personnel and the assailants. Police confirmed a suicide bomber detonated near the Special Branch building following the initial explosion, with an estimated five to seven militants involved in the assault.
Initial casualty figures reported 21 dead, including 15 police officers and six civilians, with 103 injured. However, updated numbers now confirm 22 fatalities and 130 wounded. Among the injured, 73 were police personnel and 30 civilians. Thirty-four patients required major surgeries, and four critically wounded individuals were transferred to hospitals in Peshawar for specialized care.
Rescue 1122 deployed 14 ambulances, 20 rescue vehicles, a recovery vehicle, and over 60 personnel to assist in the emergency response. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from national political leaders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Information Minister Shafi Jan, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the loss of life and urged that the injured receive the best medical care possible.
Chief Minister Afridi requested a detailed report on the attack and instructed authorities to ensure emergency medical facilities were fully operational. President Zardari emphasized the importance of eradicating Fitna al-Khawarij and other terrorist groups supported externally to safeguard national security. Interior Minister Naqvi extended condolences to the families of the deceased and affirmed that such attacks would not diminish the nation’s determination.
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