KOHAT, A suicide attack near the old Police Lines in Kohat killed 21 people on Friday, including 15 police personnel, officials said.
The attack also injured 103 people, according to the latest figures reported by local authorities. Several injured people remain in critical condition.
Security forces later killed seven armed militants during an operation inside the Police Lines compound, according to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police chief.
Explosives-Laden Vehicle Hits Police Lines
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid said an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the old Police Lines.
The explosion caused heavy damage in the area.
Another suicide bomber later detonated near the Special Branch building, the police chief said.
The attack also damaged part of a mosque inside the Police Lines compound. A wall collapsed after the explosion.
Seven Militants Killed
The IGP said seven armed militants entered the Police Lines after the initial attack.
Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department engaged the attackers.
Security forces killed the militants during the exchange of fire.
The operation also killed a sniper and suicide attackers, according to police officials.
Authorities later completed the clearance operation, according to Dunya News.
No group had claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of the latest reports. Reuters also reported that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan denied involvement.
Rescue Operation
Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the scene after the explosions.
Fourteen ambulances and more than 40 rescue personnel took part in the operation, according to the local authorities.
Officials transferred the injured to DHQ Hospital in Kohat.
The hospital declared an emergency after the attack.
Authorities also closed the Kohat-Hangu Road to traffic.
Four critically injured people later moved to hospitals in Peshawar, according to the information provided by local officials.
President and Prime Minister Condemn Attack
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack.
He said the complete elimination of Fitna al-Khawarij and other militant groups remains essential for national security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack.
He directed authorities to provide immediate and effective medical treatment to the injured.
The prime minister also sought a report on the nature and causes of the explosion.
KP Chief Minister Seeks Report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the attack.
He sought a report from police officials.
Afridi called the attack deeply regrettable and unacceptable.
He directed authorities to use all available resources for the treatment of the injured.
He also ordered officials to ensure medical facilities for critically injured victims.
The chief minister further directed hospitals to transfer seriously injured patients when necessary.
