The death toll from the suicide bombing in Kohat, Pakistan has reached at least 31. The attack occurred on Friday near the border with Afghanistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. In this incident, a group of militants attacked a police station in Kohat, and a vehicle laden with explosives caused a massive explosion that severely damaged a mosque within the police compound.
Details of the Attack and Casualties
A police official stated that among the deceased, 16 are police personnel, and over 100 others have been injured in this attack. He also added that several militants are still holed up in a special section of the Kohat police complex, and gunfire with them has continued since last night. The exact number of these militants is still unclear.
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According to the police, the suicide attack occurred during prayers at a mosque near the incident site. Security forces also engaged with other militants after at least two more attackers attempted to enter the area.
Reactions to the Attack
The local group, the Pakistan Mujahideen Alliance, linked to the Pakistani Taliban, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif, condemned the attack and expressed sorrow over the casualties. He has instructed officials to expedite rescue operations.
The Ministry of Interior of Pakistan has also stated that the "cowardly actions" of the attackers cannot weaken the nation's resolve. The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, criticized the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) for this attack, stating that "a complete confrontation with the insurgents and terrorists operating with foreign backing is essential for national security."
This attack comes at a time when relations between Pakistan and the Taliban in Afghanistan have become severely strained. Islamabad accuses the TTP of using safe havens in Afghan territory to plan and train for attacks against Pakistan. Pakistan believes the increase in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces is largely due to the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
These accusations have led to severe tensions and even armed clashes between the two neighboring countries. Pakistan has previously conducted airstrikes targeting militants that it claims have taken refuge in Afghan territory.
Kabul officials have also condemned these attacks and reported civilian casualties.
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