KOHAT, Pakistan - Pakistan Army troops have reached the incident site in Kohat to reinforce police following a devastating suicide attack targeting a mosque inside the Old Police Lines compound during Friday prayers, officials confirmed.

Pakistan Army troops have reached the incident site in Kohat to reinforce the police 🇵🇰

This suicide attack targeting innocent civilians at a mosque during prayers will not go unanswered.

Every terrorist sitting in Afghanistan will face a harsh response from Pakistan! pic.twitter.com/5ytYXlt2Wv

- Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) September 18, 2026

The attack, which occurred on September 18, 2026, killed at least 16 people, including five police personnel and 11 civilians, and injured over 50 others . Most of the wounded were worshippers who had gathered for Friday prayers at the mosque, which is located in a residential complex for police personnel .

Attack Details

According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Chief Zulfiqar Hameed, a suicide attacker rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the mosque compound, followed by a second suicide blast near the Special Branch building inside the police complex . "The vehicle hit the gate and then exploded, and firing also took place," Hameed stated .

Following the explosions, an exchange of fire broke out between security forces and armed terrorists. Police confirmed that at least seven armed terrorists infiltrated the Police Lines, and six of them, including the suicide bomber, had been killed . One terrorist sniper was also eliminated during the clearance operation .

Military Reinforcement

Pakistan Army troops have been deployed to the location to reinforce police and assist in the ongoing clearance operation . The operation continues as security forces work to eliminate any remaining threats inside the compound.

Casualties and Rescue Operations

District Headquarters Hospital Medical Superintendent Tahir Ali Shah confirmed that 15 bodies and over 50 injured were brought to the hospital . Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmad Faizi stated that 14 ambulances, rescue and recovery vehicles, and over 45 personnel were engaged in the search-and-rescue operation .

The blast was powerful enough to cause the mosque's roof to collapse and leave a crater outside the building .

Responsibility and Context

A relatively unknown militant alliance, Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), claimed responsibility for the attack . The group, formed in April 2025, comprises the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, Harakat Inqilab-e-Islami Pakistan, and Lashkar-e-Islam .

The attack came one day after a roadside bomb killed six soldiers in neighboring Hangu district. Pakistan's military also reported killing 10 suspected militants in separate operations in Hangu and North Waziristan between September 15 and 17 .

National Condemnation

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast. President Zardari stated that "the complete elimination of Fitna-al-Khawarij and terrorists operating with foreign backing is inevitable for national security" . Prime Minister Sharif directed authorities to expedite relief operations and provide the best possible medical care to the injured .

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed condolences to the families of the martyrs, stating, "We stand shoulder to shoulder with the families of the martyrs in this hour of grief. The cowardly acts of the Khawarij cannot weaken the firm resolve of the nation" .

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the attack, with CM Afridi describing it as a "cowardly act of terrorism" and directing authorities to ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured .

Pakistan's Resolve

The attack underscores the continued threat posed by militant groups operating in the region. Pakistan has consistently accused Afghanistan's Taliban government of sheltering TTP fighters and allowing cross-border attacks, allegations Kabul denies .

This attack on worshippers during Friday prayers will not go unanswered. Every terrorist operating from Afghan soil will face Pakistan's full and decisive response.