Key facts
- At least 16 people were killed and over 50 injured in a mosque bombing in Pakistan's Kohat district.
- The attack occurred during Friday prayers when an explosives-laden vehicle was driven into the mosque.
- Five police officers and 11 civilians were among the fatalities.
- Security forces killed one gunman after engaging in a firefight with at least two assailants who attempted to enter a nearby police compound.
- No group has claimed responsibility, but the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) is considered a likely suspect.
A powerful suicide blast targeted a mosque near a police compound in Pakistan's Kohat district on Friday, killing at least 16 people and injuring over 50 others. The explosion occurred during Friday prayers, creating a large crater and causing extensive damage to the mosque and nearby shops and houses. Provincial Police Chief Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed that five police personnel and 11 civilians were among the dead. Security forces engaged in a firefight with at least two gunmen who attempted to enter the police compound, and one assailant was killed. The injured and deceased were transported to a nearby hospital. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) is considered a likely suspect due to its recent increase in attacks against security forces and civilians. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and ordered swift rescue and treatment efforts, while President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorists.