15 cops among 21 martyred, 34 injured in gun-and-bomb attack on Kohat Police Lines

At least 21 people including fifteen policemen were martyred and over 34 injured when a suicide-bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into a mosque at Old Police Lines in Kohat on Friday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

According to security sources, the condition of the four injured was critical who were rushed to Peshawar. 

After the explosion, seven terrorists tried to storm into the Police Lines by detonating bombs and resorting to indiscriminate firing on the way. However, they met with stiff resistance from the police personnel who by then overcame the first shock.

The police personnel first took out the snipers deployed by the terrorists outside the Police Lines. Six terrorists including the bomber and snipers were killed in the intense gunfight with the cops. 

Five policemen including SP Traffic were among the 16 people martyred in the blast. The security forces have cordoned off the area and search operation was underway in the area to apprehend the terrorists. 

Rescue 1122 officials confirmed 15 fatalities and 54 wounded, who were rushed to DHQ Hospital in Kohat. They said more than 45 rescue personnel had been deployed to the site at the Old Police Lines in Kohat, a town of around 220,000 people. "Rescue 1122 teams are actively engaged in the search-and-rescue operation at the site, and relief activities will continue until the operation concludes," he said.

During the terrorist attack in Kohat, the Pakistan Army's command led the operation from front lines.
Commanders demonstrated resolve and courage by standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their troops in the field. This tradition of leading from the front reflects the Pakistan Army's strong command and high morale.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IGP Zulfiqar Hameed said that the clearance operation against the terrorists have now entered its final stage.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi said more than 50 injured had been transported to the hospital via ambulances. He said the explosion took place near Old Police Lines.

A separate handout from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed added the explosion occurred at a mosque at Kohat Police Lines.

The statement said that he had taken notice of the explosion and sought a report from the regional police officer.

President Zaradri, PM Shehbaz, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemn Kohat blast

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have condemned the deadly blast near the Old Police Lines in Kohat.

President Zardari directed the authorities to ensure that those injured received immediate and the best possible medical treatment. He also expressed concern over the incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the victims.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the injuries caused by the explosion. 

He directed the authorities to speed up rescue and relief operations and provide every possible facility to those affected.

The prime minister also sought a report on the nature and causes of the blast. 

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the blast. He said attacks by foreign-backed militants could not weaken the nation’s resolve. 

Mohsin Naqvi also said the government stood with the families of those killed during the difficult period.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid said the police stood as an “iron wall” against terrorism and that such attacks could not lower their morale. 

He said initial information indicated that Afghan nationals were involved in the attack.

 
Reporters: Rahman Malik and Awais Kiyani