Suicide Car Bomb Attack on Kohat Police Facility Claims Dozens of Lives

On September 18, 2026, a suicide attacker drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the outer wall of the police complex in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as worshippers held Friday prayers in the on-site mosque. Gunmen accompanying the vehicle opened fire, and a gun battle continued for several hours. Provincial police chief Zulfiqar Hameed said all seven attackers, including the bomber, were killed.

At least 16 killed in suicide attack targeting police in northwest Pakistan Türkiye condemns deadly terrorist attack in Pakistan's Kohat The Straits TimesThe National NewsThe Media LineSuicide Car Bombing at Kohat Police Facility and Mosque Kills 16 in Northwest Pakistan Suicide car bombing at Kohat police facility kills at least 16 – Cyprus Inform Suicide bomber rams Kohat Police Lines gate, mosque attack kills 16 5 Police Officials Among 11 Martyred in Kohat Police Lines Blast; Six Terrorists Killed In Return

Kohat, near the Afghanistan border, has seen a surge in militancy. Pakistani officials allege militants use safe havens in Afghanistan, a charge the Afghan Taliban rejects. The attack follows a pattern of assaults on security forces in the region, including a roadside bomb in Hangu a day earlier.

Tehrik-E-Taliban Pakistan Suicide Attack Kills At Least 27 in Kohat Mosque Blast: who 14 outlets blamed Suicide attack in Kohat: 16 dead and 50 injured Suicide attack in Kohat leaves at least 21 dead DW NewsReutersAttack on mosque in Kohat, Pakistan kills at least 15 worshippers and leaves others in critical condition Suicide car bombing at Kohat police facility kills at least 16 – Cyprus Inform BBC NewsThe National News

• Fatalities: Reported minimum 16 dead, including five police officers; some outlets later cited 21 or 27 deaths.

5 Police Officials Among 11 Martyred in Kohat Police Lines Blast; Six Terrorists Killed In Return

• Injuries: Figures range from “more than 30” to “over 80”; the interior ministry listed 57 injured.

5 Police Officials Among 11 Martyred in Kohat Police Lines Blast; Six Terrorists Killed In Return

• Attackers: Seven militants killed – six gunmen and one suicide bomber.

Tehrik-E-Taliban Pakistan Suicide Attack Kills At Least 27 in Kohat Mosque Blast: who 14 outlets blamed

• Response: Over 40 rescue personnel, 14+ ambulances, and Quick Reaction Forces were deployed; the Kohat-Hangu road was closed.

5 Police Officials Among 11 Martyred in Kohat Police Lines Blast; Six Terrorists Killed In Return

Pakistan’s interior ministry condemned the “cowardly actions.” President Asif Ali Zardari sent wishes for the injured’s recovery and framed the incident as part of the fight against “Fitna-al-Khawarij.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered accelerated rescue operations and medical care. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi called the blast “extremely regrettable and unacceptable,” directing all resources to treat the wounded. The provincial police chief said the operation would continue until all perpetrators and facilitators were neutralised.

Express Tribune

Casualty figures differ across outlets. Reuters, Straitstimes, and the interior ministry consistently reported 16 deaths and 57 injuries, while Al Jazeera and AP claimed up to 27 deaths. No militant group immediately claimed responsibility; the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) disowned the attack, but a faction of the Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan later asserted responsibility. These discrepancies leave the full scope of the attack uncertain.

Tehrik-E-Taliban Pakistan Suicide Attack Kills At Least 27 in Kohat Mosque Blast: who 14 outlets blamed

• “The complete elimination of Fitna-al-Khawarij and terrorists operating with foreign backing it essential for national security,” — Asif Ali Zardari, president

DW News

• “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the families of the martyrs in this hour of grief,” — Mohsin Naqvi, interior minister

Express Tribune