1 day ago
Pakistan Mosque Suicide Blast Kills 16, Injures More Than 50
A bomb exploded at a mosque in Pakistan during Friday prayers.
At least 16 people died, including five police officials.
More than 50 people were hurt.
Officials said a suicide attacker drove a vehicle carrying explosives into the mosque area.
Afterward, there was a gunfight with armed militants near police buildings.
The attack happened in Kohat, near the old Police Lines.
A group called Ittehadul Mujahideen said it was responsible.
Pakistan’s leaders condemned the attack and ordered officials to help the injured and investigate.
At least 16 people, including five police officials, were killed in the blast.
More than 50 others were injured during Friday prayers at the mosque.
The attack involved a vehicle-borne suicide bomber near Kohat’s old Police Lines.
An exchange of fire followed, with militants reportedly moving toward nearby security buildings.
Ittehadul Mujahideen claimed responsibility, while Pakistani officials condemned the attack and ordered relief efforts.
- Who
- Worshippers, including five police officials, were among those affected; Pakistani authorities responded to the attack, and Ittehadul Mujahideen claimed responsibility.
- What
- A vehicle-borne suicide blast killed at least 16 people and injured more than 50 others.
- Where
- A mosque near the old Police Lines in Kohat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, about 60 kilometers southwest of Peshawar.
- When
- During Friday prayers; the reports describe the incident as a developing story.
- Why
- The attack was described as a suicide bombing; no further motive was provided.
Militant Claim
Government Response
Responsibility for the attack
Militant Claim
Ittehadul Mujahideen claimed responsibility, according to Dawn.
Government Response
Pakistani officials described the attackers as Fitna al Khawarij terrorists; the reports did not independently verify the claim.
Security situation after the blast
Militant Claim
The attackers were reported to have engaged in an exchange of fire and moved toward the Counter Terrorism Department and Special Branch buildings.
Government Response
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed said some attackers were neutralised and that security forces were engaged in the exchange of fire.
Official response
Militant Claim
The reported attack targeted a mosque near police facilities during Friday prayers.
Government Response
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sought a report and ordered officials to expedite relief operations.
Key facts
- Deaths
- At least 16
- Police officials killed
- Five
- Injured
- More than 50
- Attack type
- Vehicle-borne suicide blast
- Location
- Mosque near the old Police Lines, Kohat
- Province
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Claim of responsibility
- Ittehadul Mujahideen, according to Dawn
Sources
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