Mosque attack highlights evolving extremism landscape that has brought Pakistan-Afghanistan ties to crisis point
Convergence and competition between militant groups has spurred violence. Meanwhile, Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring terrorists.
A suicide bombing and gun attack at a mosque in Kohat, Pakistan, on September 18, 2026, claimed the lives of 31 people and injured over 100 others. The assailant, a suicide bomber, rammed an explosives-laden car into a police complex, causing a 20-hour standoff with law enforcement. Although the attack was claimed by the militant group Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, other groups distanced themselves from the incident.
The incident highlights the complex and evolving extremism landscape in Pakistan and its strained relationship with Afghanistan. Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan following the attack, and the attack and its aftermath shed light on the collaboration and competition among various militant entities.
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