Taliban Militants Attack Police Compound in Pakistan, Killing 23

Pakistan has completed a clearance operation at a police compound following a large-scale attack by Taliban militants that killed at least 23 people.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police reported the attack.

The attack took place on September 18 during prayers at the Old Police Lines headquarters compound in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A vehicle packed with explosives detonated near a mosque, after which armed militants entered the compound.

The attackers split into several groups. Some moved toward the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), while three others headed toward the Special Branch, which handles intelligence and counterintelligence.

At least 23 people were killed, including 17 law enforcement officers and six civilians. More than 100 people were wounded. Kohat Traffic Police Chief Akbar Shinwari and personnel from the CTD and Special Branch were among those killed.

Security forces conducted a clearance operation at the compound overnight.

The Elite Force, CTD and military personnel took part in the operation. Police said eight attackers were killed and key buildings within the compound were brought under control.

Official figures differ. Provincial police reported that eight attackers were killed, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said seven had been killed.

The Pakistani news publication Dawn reported that the Ittehadul Mujahideen group, led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistani authorities referred to the attackers as Fitna al-Khawarij, the official term used by Islamabad for militants of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The Afghan side condemned the attack. Pakistan said it expects Kabul to take concrete action.

In June 2025, a suicide bomber driving a vehicle loaded with explosives rammed a military convoy, killing 16 Pakistani servicemen.