Kohat police lines attack: 16 killed, 25 injured as security operation continues

The attack triggered a security operation inside the Police Lines, with police and Counter Terrorism Department personnel engaged in a clearance operation as authorities worked

PESHAWAR: At least 16 people, including five police personnel and 11 civilians, have been killed and around 25 others injured in a major terrorist attack on the Police Lines in Kohat, according to police authorities.

The attack triggered a security operation inside the Police Lines, with police and Counter Terrorism Department personnel engaged in a clearance operation as authorities worked to secure the premises.

According to details shared by the office of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, the assault began with an explosion near the old Police Lines wall, followed by another blast near the Special Branch building.

Police said armed attackers subsequently entered the complex, prompting security personnel to launch an immediate response. One suspected attacker was killed during the ensuing exchange of fire, while the clearance operation remained underway at the time of filing.

IGP Zulfiqar Hameed was in contact with the Regional Police Officer Kohat and sought continuous updates on the operation and the condition of those injured.

The KP police chief directed authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best available medical treatment. The wounded were shifted to hospitals in Kohat, where emergency measures were put in place following the attack.

In a statement conveyed through police authorities, IGP Hameed said the KP Police would continue the operation until the threat was eliminated and expressed confidence in the morale of the force.

The attack has once again highlighted the security challenges confronting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has witnessed repeated militant attacks targeting police and security installations.

The latest incident also comes against the backdrop of continued counter-terrorism operations across the province. Earlier attacks in KP have demonstrated the vulnerability of law-enforcement facilities to coordinated assaults, while police and security agencies have repeatedly carried out operations against militant networks.

The Peshawar Police Lines mosque attack in January 2023 remains one of the deadliest attacks on law-enforcement personnel in the province, when more than 100 people were killed in a suicide bombing.

Security officials are now expected to investigate how the attackers managed to approach the Police Lines and whether any security weaknesses were exploited during the assault. Authorities will also determine the identities and affiliations of those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The Bomb Disposal Unit and forensic teams are expected to assist investigators in examining the site and collecting evidence after the security operation is completed.

Police have meanwhile cordoned off the area and restricted movement around the Police Lines as the clearance operation continues.

The exact number of casualties may change as the operation and rescue effort progresses. Authorities have urged the public to rely on official updates while security agencies complete the clearance and investigation.

The incident is developing, with police officials continuing to monitor the situation in Kohat.