Explosive-Laden Vehicle Hits Mosque; Suicide Bomber Blows Himself Up In Front Of Special Branch
Mian Nadeem | Published September 18, 2026 | 03:57 PM
Seven armed terrorists infiltrated the Police Lines, while police and the Counter Terrorism Department have killed six attackers, including a suicide bomber and a sniper; the clearance operation has entered its final stages, according to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa inspector general of police and spokesperson.
KOHAT, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Sep, 2026)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed stated an encounter between police and terrorists was underway inside the Police Lines compound, adding that one terrorist had been neutralized thus far.
He described a scenario where an explosive-laden vehicle rammed the gate of the old Police Lines, leading to its detonation following a collision, followed by gunfire. This resulted in another suicide blast at the Special Branch building during the firing.
IG Zulfiqar Hameed revealed that intense fire exchange with armed terrorists continued subsequent to these blasts.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi reported the explosion occurring around 1:15 p.m., while Central Police Office spokesperson Abdul Salam Khalid affirmed the militants' target being the Police Lines and the mosque situated therein. Friday prayers were in progress at the time of the incident.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police chief, preliminary reports suggested a suicide attacker detonated himself near the Special Branch following the mosque blast. A Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police spokesperson disclosed seven armed terrorists infiltrated the Police Lines post-blast. The police and Counter Terrorism Department swiftly responded, confirming the neutralization of six terrorists, including a suicide bomber and a sniper, as per latest updates. The clearance operation is now in its final stages.
The police spokesperson noted the old Police Lines area is densely populated and bustling, housing several crucial offices alongside the Counter Terrorism Department office. He further stated the blast damaged the mosque's outer wall and surrounding structures while the engagement with terrorists persisted. The Peshawar-Kohat Road has been closed to general traffic for safety measures.