At least 16 killed in Pakistan mosque bombing, death toll feared to rise

At least 16 people have been killed in a bomb attack on a mosque in Kohat district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Among the dead are 11 civilians and five police personnel. At least 50 others were injured in the incident. As the condition of several of the injured is critical, the death toll is feared to rise further.

Peshawar police said the attack took place during Friday prayers on Friday, September 18. The mosque is located near the police headquarters in Kohat district.

Citing police and local sources, various international media reported that the attackers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the gate of the mosque. The vehicle was then detonated. At that time, a large number of people had gathered at the mosque for Friday prayers.

British media outlet BBC reported that after the explosion, an exchange of gunfire began between the attackers and law enforcement agencies. One attacker was reportedly killed in police firing.

Al Jazeera's report said the explosion caused extensive damage around the mosque. The injured were taken to various local hospitals. DPA reported that 15 bodies were taken to one hospital and around 50 injured people were being treated.

Dr Tahir Shah, a doctor at a local hospital, said the condition of several of the injured is critical. As a result, the death toll could rise further.

No armed group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has been active in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region bordering Afghanistan. The group has in the past carried out attacks targeting Pakistan's security forces and various installations, as well as bomb attacks on mosques.

Source: BBC, Al Jazeera