Kohat Police Lines Attack: Eight Terrorists Killed as Clearance Operation Ends
Authorities have now completed the clearance operation at the site, while investigations and relief efforts continue.
PESHAWAR: An overnight clearance operation following a deadly attack on Kohat’s Old Police Lines has concluded, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police saying eight terrorists were killed during retaliatory action by police and security forces.
The attack began on Friday when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque during Friday prayers. Armed attackers subsequently entered the police compound and targeted security facilities.
According to the latest Dawn report, the death toll had risen to 23, while more than 100 people were injured. Other reports published later on September 19 put the death toll at 31, indicating that casualty figures were still being revised.
Eight Terrorists Killed
In an official statement, KP police said eight terrorists had been killed during the clearance operation, which lasted approximately 21 hours.
Elite Force commandos, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel and security forces took part in the operation and cleared key areas of the affected buildings.
KP Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed was present at the scene, while the operation was led by senior CTD and police officials, including the additional IG of CTD, Kohat Regional Police Officer and Kohat District Police Officer.
Police said the operation successfully cleared the compound following an overnight engagement with the attackers.
CTD Additional IG Injured
The CTD said its additional inspector general sustained a hand injury after being targeted with a grenade during the operation.
According to the department, the officer had been supervising the operation from the frontline since Friday afternoon. After receiving first aid, he returned to the scene to continue overseeing the security operation.
The attackers had reportedly entered the Special Branch building after the initial suicide attack near the mosque.
Rescue Operation Completed
Rescue 1122 also completed its emergency response operation in Kohat.
More than 60 rescue personnel participated in the operation, supported by ambulances, rescue vehicles and recovery equipment. Teams from neighbouring districts, including Karak and Hangu, also assisted.
Several injured people were transferred to hospitals in Peshawar for further treatment, including patients taken to Lady Reading Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex.
Funeral Prayers Held for Police Personnel
Funeral prayers for police personnel killed in the attack were held in Kohat before their bodies were transported to their respective hometowns.
Dawn reported that 15 police personnel were among those killed in the initial attack, with SP Traffic Akbar Shinwari and other Special Branch and CTD officials among the victims.
KP Chief Minister Visits Injured
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi visited injured people and the families of those killed in the attack.
He directed authorities to ensure that the wounded receive the best available medical treatment and assured affected families of government support.
The chief minister had earlier sought a detailed report on the incident and condemned the attack.
Attack Claimed by Ittehadul Mujahideen
The attack was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen, according to Dawn’s reporting.
The state uses the term “Fitna al-Khawarij” when referring to members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The latest incident also recalls a deadly 2010 bombing near the Kohat Police Lines, when 20 people were killed and more than 90 injured in an explosion inside a police colony.
