Kohat Terror Attack Leaves 23 Dead

News Desk
KOHAT: At least 23 people, including 17 police personnel, were martyred and over 100 others wounded when heavily armed terrorists targeted a mosque inside the old Police Lines with an explosives-laden vehicle before attempting to storm the compound. The brazen assault, which unfolded on Friday, marks a severe escalation in terrorist activities targeting law enforcement installations and places of worship in the region.
Security forces and police units responded with swift tactical coordination, launching a fierce counter-assault that neutralised the initial wave of attackers within hours.
A meticulous clean-up operation extended overnight under the direct supervision of senior police and counter-terrorism officials. During the final phases of the clearance operation, one holed-up terrorist was eliminated, while the remaining operative blew himself up to evade capture by the advancing security personnel.
This tragic incident underscores the persistent and evolving threat landscape confronting law enforcement agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The use of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device combined with a follow-up assault reflects sophisticated tactical planning by hostile elements aiming to disrupt public order and demoralize the security apparatus.
Civil society and state leaders have strongly condemned the bloodshed, reiterating their unwavering resolve to root out militancy from the country.
In the wake of the assault, high-level intelligence-led investigations have been initiated to trace the handlers and network facilitators behind the Kohat attack. Authorities are reviewing security protocols across all police lines and vital installations nationwide to plug potential vulnerabilities. Further updates regarding the comprehensive forensic findings and follow-up counter-terrorism sweeps are expected to be released by the interior ministry in the coming days.