15 cops among 21 martyred in blast at Kohat Police Lines, more than 80 injured
PESHAWAR: At least 21 people, including 15 police officials, were martyred on Friday when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque in Kohat Police Lines, followed by terrorists storming the compound and attacking police facilities, according to senior police and district health officials. District Health Officer Dr Nasir Hassan Afridi confirmed the toll to Dawn , adding that more than…
Kohat Police Lines witnessed a devastating explosion on Friday, claiming at least 21 lives, among them 15 police officials. The attack, followed by a terrorist assault, resulted in over 80 people being injured, with three in critical condition. Footage showed citizens aiding the injured amidst the rubble. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed that a suicide bomber initially targeted the building's gate, with several attackers moving towards the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) building, where they were eliminated.
The attack was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen. The CTD stated that an exchange of fire was ongoing between their personnel and the terrorists, with the Additional IG leading the operation. Police reported seven terrorists attempting to infiltrate the facility after the explosion, six of whom have been killed so far.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attack, emphasizing the unacceptable targeting of innocent citizens. President Asif Ali Zardari vowed to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorists, wishing the injured a swift recovery. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requested a report on the blast and expedited relief operations, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressing grief and extending condolences to the families of the martyrs. The attack is a developing story, with updates being provided as the situation unfolds.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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