KOHAT: Police and security forces have completed a lengthy clearance operation at Kohat Police Lines, killing all eight terrorists who attacked the complex following a deadly blast at a mosque, officials said on Saturday.
The operation continued for around 21 hours after terrorists attempted to enter the Police Lines following an explosion at the Old Police Lines Mosque during Friday prayers. Security personnel subsequently launched a coordinated response and cleared key buildings within the compound.
The KP Police said eight terrorists, including the attackers who had entered the Special Branch building, were killed during the retaliatory action. Elite Force commandos, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel and security forces took part in the clearance operation.
Security sources said the operation was supervised by senior military and police officers, with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Kohat also present at the site.
KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed visited the scene after the operation and received a briefing on the security situation. He also met senior officers, including the GOC Kohat, Regional Police Officer and District Police Officer.
The IGP commended the personnel involved in the operation and announced rewards for those who took part in clearing the Police Lines.
“We are determined to foil the nefarious designs of Fitna-al-Khawarij,” he said.
Death toll rises to 23
The attack and subsequent clashes left 23 people dead, including 17 police personnel and six civilians, while 103 others were injured, according to officials. Several senior police officers were among those killed.
The assault began with a suicide attack at the mosque, after which armed terrorists entered the Police Lines and exchanged fire with law-enforcement personnel. Some of the injured were shifted to hospitals in Peshawar for specialised treatment.
President, PM condemn assault
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of lives.
In separate statements, both leaders offered condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the recovery of those injured. They also directed authorities to ensure that all wounded victims received immediate and comprehensive medical treatment.
President Zardari said eliminating terrorist groups and what he described as “Fitna-al-Khawarij” was essential to safeguarding national security.
