The death toll from the Kohat Police HQ attack has risen to at least 31, including 16 police personnel. More than 100 people were also injured in the explosion and gun attack, while security forces continued fighting militants inside the compound.
The attack took place on Friday afternoon at the Old Police Lines complex in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The facility serves as a district-level police headquarters and houses offices of several important police units.
A senior police official said militants and suicide attackers targeted the complex. The official said 31 people had been killed so far, while more than 100 others suffered injuries. Several injured people were reported to be in critical condition.
The Kohat Police HQ attack also triggered a prolonged security operation inside the compound. Police officials said several militants remained inside the Special Branch section, with an exchange of fire continuing since late Friday night.
Authorities have not confirmed the exact number of militants involved in the attack. Security personnel were deployed around the complex as efforts continued to clear the area and end the ongoing fighting.
The Kohat district health authorities said most of those injured were police personnel. Ambulances were deployed near the police compound, while security forces guarded the damaged site following the explosion and gun attack.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed concern over the casualties. He directed authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured and ordered a report into the incident. President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed regret over the loss of lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The Kohat Police HQ attack remains under investigation as security forces continue their operation.
