Kohat operation continues as terrorists target additional IG CTD with grenade

The Additional IG CTD has been supervising the operation from the frontline alongside police personnel. Officials said terrorists targeted the Additional IG CTD with a hand grenade, causing a minor injury to his hand. After receiving first aid, he returned to the frontline and resumed monitoring the operation.

The Additional IG CTD is continuing to supervise the operation alongside the personnel. Officials said his presence has boosted the morale of the police personnel and that the terrorists will be brought to their logical end.

The operation follows a suicide attack near the old Police Lines in Kohat on Friday, in which at least 21 people, including 15 police personnel, were martyred and 103 others injured.

Seven terrorists were also killed during the subsequent security operation. of Police Zulfiqar Hamid, an explosives-laden vehicle was rammed into the old Police Lines, followed by another suicide attack near the Special Branch building. The explosions caused extensive damage in the area, including to the outer portion of a mosque, while a wall also collapsed.

The IGP said seven armed militants infiltrated the Police Lines compound after the attack. Police and CTD personnel engaged the militants in an exchange of fire, during which a militant sniper was initially killed.

He later said seven terrorists, including suicide attackers, had been killed and the clearance operation had been completed., 103 injured people were taken to hospitals following the explosions. Thirty-four injured people remained under treatment, while five patients underwent laparotomy procedures and four critically injured patients were referred to hospitals in Peshawar.

The injured were shifted to District Headquarters Hospital, where an emergency was declared after the attack. The Kohat-Hangu Road was also closed to traffic following the incident. Rescue 1122 deployed 14 ambulances, rescue and recovery vehicles and more than 40 personnel to support the emergency response.

District Emergency Officer Noor-ul-Amin supervised the rescue operation, while relief activities continued until the operation was completed. IGP Zulfiqar Hamid said the KP Police would continue to stand against terrorism and that such attacks would not undermine the resolve of its personnel.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of life and injuries. Zardari said the elimination of Fitnah al-Khawarij and terrorists was essential for national security and directed authorities to ensure immediate medical treatment for those injured.

Prime Minister Shehbaz strongly condemned the blast and directed the relevant authorities to provide the injured with immediate and the best possible medical care. He also prayed for their speedy recovery and sought a report on the nature and causes of the attack.

The prime minister further directed authorities to expedite relief operations and ensure that all possible facilities were provided to those affected. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi also took notice of the explosion and sought a report from police authorities.

He directed officials to use all available resources to provide immediate treatment to the injured and ensure necessary medical facilities at hospitals. Afridi ordered arrangements for critically injured patients to be shifted to other hospitals where required and directed authorities to examine all aspects of the incident before submitting a detailed report.

Funeral prayers for the victims were also offered in Kohat. Authorities continued rescue and clearance activities following the attack.