ISLAMABAD: At least 16 people were martyred and 57 others injured on Thursday when a car bomber targeted a mosque inside a police compound in northwestern Pakistan, officials said.
The attack occurred in Kohat, a city in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Police sources said an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the mosque at the Old Police Lines facility. The initial blast was immediately followed by a gun battle between security forces and armed terrorists.
Security forces have since cordoned off the area and launched a wide-scale search operation to locate any remaining terrorists. Contingents arrived on the scene shortly after the explosion and are currently investigating the motives behind the attack.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed took notice of the attack and sought a detailed report from the Regional Police Officer in Kohat.
"Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police stands as an iron wall against terrorism, cowardly attacks cannot dampen our resolve," he said in a statement.
President, prime minister condemn attack
The blast drew immediate condemnation from Pakistan's top leadership. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the casualties and ordered an expedited relief operation to provide medical assistance to the survivors.
President Asif Ali Zardari attributed the attack to Fitna-al-Khawarij, terrorist groups that operate with foreign backing. President Zardari stated that the total elimination of such groups is essential for the country's national security.
This is a developing story.