Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police say the overnight clearance operation lasted around 20–22 hours, while the reported death toll from the attack and subsequent clashes rose to 23.
KOHAT, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: An overnight clearance operation at Kohat Police Lines in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has concluded after police and security forces killed eight terrorists who had entered the compound following Friday’s deadly attack.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said the operation continued through the night and lasted roughly 20 to 22 hours. Elite Force commandos, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) teams and other security personnel cleared key sections of the Police Lines complex.
The latest reports put the death toll from the attack and subsequent clashes at 23, although some reports published earlier on Saturday carried lower figures as casualties were still being confirmed. Dunya News, citing officials, reported that 23 people had died, while Dawn also reported the toll had risen to 23, including 17 police personnel and six civilians.
Attack followed blast at mosque
The incident began on Friday when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque inside the old Police Lines during Friday prayers.
The blast was followed by an armed assault, with attackers entering the police compound and targeting security installations. Police said a second suicide blast occurred near the Special Branch building during the ensuing confrontation.
According to reports, several attackers took shelter inside buildings within the Police Lines, prompting security forces to launch a prolonged clearance operation.
Eight terrorists killed
KP police said eight terrorists were killed during the retaliatory action.
The operation involved the police, CTD, Elite Force commandos and security forces. Key sections of the Police Lines were cleared before the area was secured, according to officials.
IGP Hameed remained at the scene during the operation. The CTD Additional IG, Kohat Regional Police Officer and Kohat District Police Officer led the operation, while the Kohat GOC was also present, officials said.
The CTD Additional IG was also injured when terrorists reportedly threw a hand grenade during the operation. He received medical treatment and subsequently returned to the site to continue supervising the operation, according to officials.
More than 100 injured
More than 100 people were reported injured in the attack, with medical teams treating casualties at hospitals in Kohat.
Dawn reported that 103 injured people had been received at hospitals following the attack. Several critically injured patients were transferred to Peshawar for further treatment.
Rescue 1122 also deployed ambulances, rescue vehicles and personnel to assist with the emergency response and recovery operation.
Security tightened in Kohat
Authorities increased security around the Police Lines and other sensitive locations in the city.
Geo News reported that police also came under fire at a checkpoint near the Kohat district courts, with the police post damaged but no casualties reported. Offices and courts near the Police Lines were closed as additional security measures were implemented.
Investigation into attack continues
Authorities are continuing to investigate the attack, including the identities and network of those involved.
The Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen has been reported as claiming responsibility for the attack. That claim should be treated as an attributed claim pending further independent verification.
The completion of the clearance operation means the attackers inside the Police Lines have been eliminated, but authorities are expected to continue investigations into the planning, facilitation and wider network behind the assault.
