KOHAT – Police have registered an FIR against unknown militants in connection with the deadly attack on the old police lines in Kohat, which left 22 people dead and 103 others injured.
According to the FIR, the attack involved a suicide bombing using an explosives-laden vehicle, indiscriminate gunfire and grenade attacks. The assault resulted in the deaths of 16 police personnel and six civilians, while 73 police personnel and 30 civilians were injured, hospital officials said.
The FIR was registered at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station on the complaint of the Station House Officer (SHO) of Kohat City police station, police said.
The unknown militants were booked under multiple provisions relating to terrorism, murder and attempted murder. According to the FIR, the attack began when an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the old police lines and exploded. The blast damaged the nearby mosque and caused part of its structure and a wall to collapse.
Following the explosion, the attackers opened indiscriminate fire and attempted to enter the old police lines. Police personnel confronted them, resulting in an exchange of fire inside the compound.
The FIR stated that the assault involved a suicide bombing, gunfire and grenade attacks, causing casualties among police personnel and civilians as well as damage to government and private property.
Among those killed were Dr Israel Khan Orakzai, Chief District Specialist at Liaquat Memorial Hospital, and SP Traffic Akbar Shinwari.
Another suicide explosion occurred at the Special Branch building during the exchange of fire between security personnel and the militants, according to the account of the incident.
Rescue teams immediately launched an operation to evacuate the wounded from the site, while Kohat District Headquarters Hospital declared an emergency to deal with the casualties.
Police and security forces subsequently launched an overnight clearance operation inside the old police lines. Elite Force commandos, CTD personnel and other security officials took part in the operation and cleared key sections of the compound.
Eight militants were killed during the operation, according to the Central Police Office, while security sources said two suicide bombers hiding inside the compound were also killed.
Separately, militants opened fire on a police post at the main gate of Kohat district courts, damaging the post. No casualties were reported in the incident.
