Kohat, Sep 19 (V7N)- The death toll from a suicide bombing at a mosque inside a police compound in northwestern Pakistan has risen to 31, according to AFP, citing a police official.
The attack took place on Friday (September 18) during Friday prayers in Kohat city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
According to local officials, a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the police compound while police personnel and their family members were praying at a mosque inside the facility.
Local sources said that shortly after the explosion, another attacker inside the vehicle opened fire. Security forces quickly arrived at the scene and launched rescue and security operations.
Several people were injured in the attack and taken for treatment. Officials warned that the death toll could rise further as some of the injured remain in critical condition.
The blast caused significant damage to the mosque and surrounding areas inside the police compound, according to local reports.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has experienced repeated attacks targeting police and other security personnel in recent years. The province, which borders Afghanistan, remains one of Pakistan's main areas of militant activity.
Security forces have launched investigations into the bombing and are working to determine the identities and affiliations of those responsible.
END/SMA/AJ
