At least 16 martyred, 57 injured in Kohat mosque bomb blast

KOHAT: At least 16 people have been martyred and 57 others injured in a bomb blast at a mosque in Kohat, police sources confirmed, ARY News reported citing security sources.

Following the explosion, security forces and police cordoned off the surrounding area and launched a search operation. Security squads rushed to the scene immediately upon receiving reports of the blast.

Security sources stated that investigation teams are actively gathering information to determine the exact nature and cause of the explosion.

Earlier, an explosion was reported at the Old Police Line in Kohat, confirmed police spokesperson on Friday.

Following the blast, police teams have reached the site, while routes leading to the old police lines have been closed as a precaution.

Police officials said the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) office is also located within the old police lines.

Rescue teams reached the site shortly after the incident and launched relief and rescue operations, according to Rescue 1122. According to police spokesperson, at least 20 injured have been moved to the hospital.

The rescue service said 35 officials are working at the blast site.

Earlier this year, in February, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was among five people killed and three others were injured when unidentified gunmen attacked a police vehicle on Shakardara Road in Kohat.

According to police officials, the incident occurred while a police team was transporting two accused persons in a police mobile. Armed assailants opened fire on the vehicle, triggering a heavy exchange of gunfire.

Those killed in the attack include DSP Lachi Asad Mehmood, Investigation Inspector Anar Gul Khan, and a police constable. The two accused in police custody, identified as Yousuf Khan and Samiullah, were also killed during the attack.

Three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were injured and shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital for medical treatment.

Following the incident, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Additional police contingents were also dispatched to the scene, and security was placed on high alert amid fear and panic in the area.