15 cops among 21 martyred in Kohat

Police Lines blast
Over 100 injured, six terrorists killed in return
Haqnawaz shinwari
KOHAT
At least 21 people, including 15 police personnel, were martyred and more than 100 others injured in an explosion followed by a militant attack at the Kohat Police Lines during Friday prayers, according to district police.
Police said seven armed militants infiltrated the Police Lines after the explosion. Six of the attackers, including the suicide bomber, had been killed so far, they added.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, the initial explosion took place near the Police Lines mosque, while a suicide bomber later detonated himself near the Special Branch building.
The blast caused extensive damage to the outer portion of the mosque and brought down a wall, while nearby buildings were also damaged.

Police and Rescue 1122 teams reached the site shortly after the explosion and launched a search and rescue operation. Rescue officials said more than 30 injured people and 15 bodies had been shifted to hospitals through ambulances.
Fourteen ambulances, rescue vehicles and a recovery vehicle, along with more than 45 rescue personnel, were taking part in the rescue operation.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid and the Additional Inspector General of Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) reached Kohat and took charge of the security situation.
According to the police public relations directorate, the operation against the militants had entered its final stages under the direct supervision of the IGP, with security personnel conducting clearance operations in the area.
CTD experts also briefed the IGP and additional IGP on the situation and progress of the operation.
The police said efforts were under way to trace the militants and their alleged facilitators, adding that the authorities were determined to eliminate the threat.
The Kohat-Hangu Road was closed to traffic and additional police personnel were deployed around the Police Lines.
Pakistan Army troops also reached the site and cordoned off the area, while security personnel collected evidence as part of the investigation.
Authorities said the search and clearance operation would continue until the area was fully secured.