At least 16 people, including five police personnel, were killed in a suicide bombing near a police compound in Kohat, Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on Friday.

According to police officials, an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the outer wall of the police facility near a mosque where police personnel, their family members and civilians were offering Friday prayers.

The powerful explosion heavily damaged the mosque and nearby structures. Several armed attackers also opened fire following the blast, triggering an exchange of gunfire with police.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene and transported dozens of injured people to nearby hospitals. Officials said more than 50 people were wounded, with several in critical condition.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistani authorities have launched a security operation at the site and are investigating the incident.

The bombing comes amid heightened militant violence in Pakistan’s northwestern region, where security forces have faced repeated attacks in recent months.

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press (AP), Anadolu Agency.

[Reuters report](https://ca.marketscreener.com/news/at-least-16-killed-in-suicide-attack-on-police-facility-in-northwest-pakistan-ce785adadb8cf423?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[AP report](https://apnews.com/article/ebfc29859f724630e25f8549116859c8?utm_source=chatgpt.com)