Suicide Attack Kills 21, Injures 80 at Pakistan Police Facility

At least 21 people, including 15 police officials, were killed and more than 80 injured in a suicide attack at Kohat Police Lines in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, on Friday, September 18, 2026.

District Health Officer Dr. Nasir Hassan Afridi confirmed the toll, noting three injured were in critical condition. The attack began when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque inside the compound, followed by terrorists storming the facility and attacking police buildings. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed stated a vehicle-borne suicide bomber initially struck the building's gate.

At least seven attackers then breached the compound, with some heading towards the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) building, where they were neutralized. Around three others attempted to move towards the Special Branch building. An exchange of fire between CTD personnel and terrorists was ongoing, with the Additional IG CTD leading the operation. Police reported at least one attacker was still holed up inside the compound.

The Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attack. The blast caused severe damage to the mosque structure, with footage showing a collapsed wall and citizens digging through rubble. The explosion was powerful enough to damage nearby shops and homes. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Faizi confirmed at least 50 people were injured and shifted to hospitals, with 14 ambulances and over 35 rescue personnel deployed.

The District Headquarters Hospital declared an emergency. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, directing authorities to accelerate rescue operations and provide medical care. President Asif Ali Zardari appeared to assign blame to the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP). The Interior Ministry stated the cowardly actions would not weaken the nation's resolve. The attack occurred a day after a roadside bomb killed six soldiers in the northwestern Hangu district.