Pakistan police complex bombing kills 16 in Kohat

At least 16 people were killed in a suicide attack on a police complex during Friday prayers in Kohat, a city in northwestern Pakistan.

Local police chief Zulfiqar Hamid said that as worshippers gathered at a mosque inside the complex, a vehicle loaded with explosives rammed into the compound’s gate and exploded.

Another blast later occurred at a nearby police building. A gunbattle then broke out between the attackers and security forces.

Police said three gunmen were killed during the exchange of fire. Initial reports said a fourth attacker wearing a suicide vest had also been killed. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Zulfiqar Hamid said five of those killed were police officers and 11 were civilians. Most of the victims are believed to have been people who had gathered at the mosque for weekly prayers.

The explosions destroyed the mosque’s outer wall and left a crater in front of the building. Rescue services said more than 50 injured people were taken to local hospitals.

Rescue teams and local volunteers searched the rubble for survivors. Roads leading to the scene were closed as a security measure.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior condemned the attack, describing the perpetrators’ actions as “cowardly acts.” The ministry said the attack would not weaken the country’s resolve to combat terrorism.

Armed attacks have reportedly increased in Pakistan’s border regions this year. Police officers and military personnel have been among the main targets in recent attacks.

Islamabad has repeatedly said armed groups in Afghanistan use safe havens to plan attacks on Pakistani territory. The Taliban government in Kabul has rejected the allegations, saying the armed conflict is Pakistan’s internal problem.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where the attack took place, borders Afghanistan and has for years been among the areas most affected by armed violence in Pakistan. Police stations, checkpoints and security personnel there are frequently targeted in suicide bombings and armed ambushes.