Pakistan: At least 20+ killed, Over 30+ injured in Mosque bomb blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

At least twenty plus people were killed and more than 30+ others injured after a powerful suicide bomb blast at a mosque near a building housing police offices in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday. Most of those injured were worshippers.

 

According to police and rescue officials, the explosion took place during Friday prayers. The blast badly damaged the mosque and nearby shops and houses. Several injured people were shifted to a nearby hospital, where an emergency was declared. Some of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.

  

At least 20+ people, including five police personnel and 15 civilians, were killed in the suicide blast at the Kohat Police Lines in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during Friday prayers, provincial Police Chief said.

 

 

 

The provincial police chief said an attacker apparently rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the mosque, while investigations were underway to establish the exact circumstances of the attack. At least two armed gunmen also attempted to enter the police compound and exchanged fire with police officers, according to local police.

  

  

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed sorrow over the casualties. He directed authorities to accelerate rescue operations, provide medical care to the wounded and extend assistance to those affected.

(With agency inputs)