Suicide Attack at Police Compound in Kohat Kills 16

At least 16 people were killed and 57 others wounded when a suicide attacker drove an explosives-laden vehicle into a police facility in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during Friday prayers, officials said.

The blast struck the outer wall of the police compound while officers, their families and other worshippers were gathered at a mosque inside. Five police officers were among those killed. Gunmen accompanying the attacker opened fire after the explosion, triggering a gun battle with security forces.

Police said all seven attackers were killed in the blast and subsequent fighting. Rescue teams recovered victims from the damaged compound as ambulances transported the wounded to hospitals.

No group initially claimed responsibility. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), however, issued a statement denying involvement. The attack comes amid a broader increase in militant violence in Pakistan’s northwestern areas, where security forces have frequently been targeted.