Eight Terrorists Killed in Kohat Police Lines O…

Eight terrorists were killed in a clearance operation that followed a deadly two‑pronged assault on the old Police Lines in Kohat district. The overnight operation, carried out by elite police, CTD teams and security forces, concluded with the elimination of all attackers and the securing of the compound.

The attack began on Friday when an explosives‑laden vehicle detonated near a mosque inside the Police Lines during Friday prayers. Terrorists then stormed the compound, targeting police facilities and killing at least 21 people, including 17 policemen and six civilians, and injuring more than 100. The death toll rose to 23 on Saturday, with the casualties spread across police officers, civilians, and CTD officials.

KP Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed, who was on site, praised the bravery of the officers and announced rewards for their service. The operation was led by CTD additional IG, the Kohat regional police officer and the district police officer, with the Kohat general officer commanding also present. The CTD additional IG sustained a hand injury during a grenade attack but returned to the front lines to supervise the operation.

Rescue 1122 completed its relief and rescue operation, deploying 24 vehicles, including ambulances and recovery units. More than 60 personnel from Kohat, Karak, and Hangu districts assisted in evacuating the wounded. Seven injured were transferred to Peshawar hospitals for further treatment, while others received care locally.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi visited the injured and bereaved families, assuring them of the government’s support and urging authorities to provide the best medical facilities. He condemned the targeting of innocent citizens as “deeply regrettable and unacceptable.” The attack was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur‑led Ittehadul Mujahideen, while the state refers to the attackers as Fitna al‑Khawarij, a banned TTP faction.

Funeral prayers for 15 martyred police personnel were held in Kohat, and their bodies were transported to their native districts in Rescue 1122 ambulances. The incident underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in the region and the ongoing efforts of Pakistani security forces to neutralize extremist elements.