International
oi-Swastika Sruti
More than 16 people died and 50-plus people sustained injuries when a massive explosion ripped through the mosque located close to a police camp in the Kohat district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, September 18.
An explosion occurred on September 18 at a mosque near a police camp in Kohat, Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing over 16 people and injuring 50+ when an explosives-laden vehicle rammed the Old Police Lines gate during Friday prayers.
The explosion occurred during Friday prayers when the entire area of the mosque and police camp became chaotic. The incident reportedly resulted from an explosives-laden vehicle ramming the gate of the Old Police Lines.
Blast During Friday Prayers
The explosion took place in the vicinity of the mosque situated either within or near the Old Police Lines area in Kohat district, approximately 60 kilometers south-west of Peshawar.
Kohat District,Occupied Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
An explosion was reportedly heard at the Kohat Police Lines during Friday prayers, followed by reports of ongoing gunfire in the area.
The nature and extent of the incident remain unclear.
Further details are awaited.#Explosion pic.twitter.com/4OQq3G8TO0
— SilentFrame (@SilentFrameM) September 18, 2026
The explosion initially was reported to have taken place as a result of a car, loaded with explosives, hitting the entrance of the police compound; the power of the explosion was sufficient to create a crater near the mosque.
According to the police, 11 civilians and five members of the police were reported dead. In addition, one of the suspected attackers was also killed in the explosion.
The injured were taken to hospitals for immediate treatment; officials from the District Hospital in Kohat confirmed that many people had been admitted to the hospital.
The fact that the explosion took place during the weekly Friday congregation meant that both civilians and security officers were present in the area at the time of the explosion.
Security Forces Carry Out Operations In Balochistan
The Kohat explosion came amid continuing security operations in other parts of Pakistan.
On Friday, Pakistani security forces reported that seven militants were killed in two separate operations in Balochistan.
According to Radio Pakistan, five militants were killed in an operation in the Panjgur district, while two others were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Dhadar area of Kachhi district. Security forces also reported recovering weapons and ammunition from the militants.
Separately, Pakistani authorities reported that security forces had killed 10 militants in multiple operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including six in North Waziristan and four in Hangu.
These incidents highlight the continuing security challenges faced by Pakistan’s western provinces, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Kohat Among Pakistan’s Terror-Affected Districts
The attack also comes days after Pakistan’s federal government classified 26 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as “hard areas” because of security risks linked to terrorism.
Kohat is among the districts included in the list. The decision also covers areas such as Peshawar, Khyber, Hangu, Bannu, North Waziristan, South Waziristan and several districts in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The government has approved a security-risk allowance for eligible police and administrative officers serving in these areas.
HELP IS JUST ONE CALL AWAY
Complete Anonymity, Professional Counselling Services
iCALL Mental Helpline Number: 9152987821
Mon – Sat: 10am – 8pm
