16 martyred, over 50 injured in explosion at Kohat Police Lines

Sixteen people, including five policemen, were martyred and more than 50 others injured in an explosion at Kohat Police Lines on Friday.

The attack was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen, according to reports.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed the casualties, saying that the incident involved a vehicle-borne suicide bomber who first targeted the gate of the police lines.

According to the IG, some attackers moved towards the Counter Terrorism Department building, where they were neutralised, while around three others headed towards the Special Branch building.

An initial handout issued by the IG’s office had said that the explosion took place at a mosque inside Kohat Police Lines. It had also reported that an explosive-filled vehicle was rammed into the building.

In a subsequent statement, the police said that a suicide bomber detonated himself near the Special Branch building and that an exchange of fire was taking place with militants.

Footage from the site showed people gathered around a damaged building, with a section of its wall collapsed. Citizens could be seen removing debris and helping those injured in the blast.