KOHAT: Security forces and police killed all eight terrorists involved in the attack on the Police Lines in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during a clearance operation, officials said.
According to the KP Police, terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Police Lines after a suicide bombing at the Old Police Lines Mosque during Friday prayers. Police and security forces responded swiftly and launched a retaliatory operation to eliminate the attackers.
Security sources said the clearance operation was directly supervised by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Kohat. Pakistan Army commandos, security personnel and the Bomb Disposal Squad took part in the operation and cleared the area before handing it back to the police.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed visited the blast site and received a briefing from senior officials regarding the attack and subsequent security operation.
The IGP also met the GOC Kohat, Regional Police Officer (RPO), District Police Officer (DPO) Kohat and other officers and personnel deployed at the site. He praised the security personnel for their response and courage and announced rewards for those who participated in the operation.
“We are determined to foil the nefarious designs of Fitna-al-Khawarij,” the IGP said.
The attack claimed at least 23 lives, including 17 police officials and six civilians, while 103 people were injured, according to officials. The attack occurred when worshippers had gathered for Friday prayers at a mosque inside the Kohat Police Lines.
Following the initial explosion, several terrorists reportedly stormed the Police Lines and opened indiscriminate fire, prompting security forces to launch the clearance operation.
The Kohat District Health Officer said more than 100 injured people were taken to hospitals, with several reported to be in critical condition. Some of the seriously injured were shifted to Peshawar for further medical treatment.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of lives. They also directed authorities to ensure the injured received immediate and proper medical care.
