Kohat mosque attack kills 23 police, security personnel

A vehicle bomb and subsequent assault on a mosque in Kohat’s Police Lines left at least 23 dead, including 17 police and officials, with over 100 wounded. Security forces contained the attack within hours, killing most attackers, though the incident underscores mounting threats from militant networks operating across the border.

• ▪Attackers used explosives-laden vehicle targeting mosque in Kohat’s old Police Lines, then attempted to storm the compound during Friday prayers
• ▪At least 23 killed, including 17 police personnel and officials; more than 100 wounded in the assault
• ▪Security forces and police regrouped quickly, launching counteroffensive that killed all but two attackers within hours
• ▪Remaining two militants neutralized overnight: one killed in cleanup operation, one detonated explosives rather than surrender
• ▪Additional Inspector-General of Counter-Terrorism Department injured by grenade but returned to oversee final operations
• ▪Ittehadul Mujahideen umbrella organization claimed responsibility; operates from safe havens across border with coordination among factions
• ▪Group considered more sophisticated threat than TTP, uses drone technology and organized digital campaigns, per analysis
• ▪Attack during Friday prayers demonstrates group’s disregard for ethical limits and strategy focused on maximum casualties
• ▪Authorities urged to review counterterrorism approaches, recalibrate national policy on diplomatic, political and social aspects
• ▪KP police need advanced equipment, training and modern technologies to counter increasingly sophisticated militant threat

Source: according to media reports