Bomb attack at Pakistan mosque kills at least 15, injures 50
A car bomb struck the entrance of a mosque at a police headquarters in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, during Friday prayers, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 50. Authorities said the wounded were taken to hospital and that the death toll could rise as several victims are in critical condition.
Why It Matters
The attack targeted a place within a security installation in a region where militant groups have increased activity, underscoring persistent instability along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan. Islamabad's longstanding accusations that militants operate from Afghan territory and Kabul's denials make such incidents relevant to regional security and cross-border relations.
Key Facts
- Location: Mosque at police headquarters, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Timing: Occurred during Friday prayers
- Method: Explosive-laden car rammed into mosque entrance
- Casualties: At least 15 dead and more than 50 injured
- Source of casualty figures: Dr Tahir Shah, reported via dpa news agency
A blast at a mosque located inside the police headquarters compound in Kohat, in Pakistan’s north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killed at least 15 people and wounded over 50 on Friday as worshippers gathered for prayers. Emergency services transported the dead and injured to nearby hospitals, and officials warned the death toll could increase because some of the wounded were in critical condition.
According to local reporting of hospital statements cited by the dpa news agency, the explosion was caused when an explosive-laden vehicle was driven into the entrance of the mosque. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
Regional affiliates of the Islamic State group and the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) both operate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and have a history of targeting security forces, officials and analysts note. Pakistani authorities have in recent years accused fighters based in Afghanistan of carrying out attacks across the border; Kabul has rejected those accusations. Cross-border incidents have been reported in recent months.
Officials have not released further details about any suspects or suspects' motives, and investigations were under way. Hospitals in Kohat continued to treat the injured, and local authorities warned the casualty figures could change as more information becomes available.
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Original source: Al Jazeera