The death toll from a coordinated terrorist attack on a police compound in northwest Pakistan has risen to 31 with at least 103 others injured.
The assault occurred on Friday during congregational prayers at a mosque inside the Kohat Police Lines in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to police officials the attack began when an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the compound's main gate. This was followed by a second suicide blast and a fierce gun battle.
Following the initial explosion, seven armed terrorists infiltrated the facility. Security forces including the Counter-Terrorism Department, quickly engaged the attackers, killing six of them including a suicide bomber and a sniper.
Medical authorities confirmed that the victims are largely law enforcement personnel though civilians were also caught in the crossfire. Several critically wounded patients have been transferred to Peshawar for advanced medical care.
Pakistan’s top leadership including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, strongly condemned the bloodshed, pledging to eliminate terrorism and ensure national security. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s police chief praised the resilience of his forces also vowing that the "blood of the martyrs will not go to waste."
The attack has drawn widespread international condemnation. Nations including Saudi Arabia, UK, Russia and Australia expressed solidarity with Pakistan, denouncing the violence targeting a place of worship.
Pakistan has experienced a sharp surge in militant attacks since the Taliban’s return to power in neighboring Afghanistan in 2021. Security remains on high alert across the region as investigations continue.
