Death Toll Rises to 31 After Explosives-Laden Vehicle Hits Pakistan Mosque
KOHAT, Pakistan — September 19, 2026

Deadly attack strikes mosque during Friday prayers
The death toll from a suicide attack at a mosque inside a police compound in northwestern Pakistan has risen to 31, according to police officials cited by Reuters.

The attack took place on Friday in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as police officers and their families gathered for Friday prayers. An explosives-laden vehicle was driven into the police facility, causing a powerful explosion.

Earlier reports had put the death toll at 21, with more than 80 people injured. Local authorities later reported additional deaths as rescue and medical operations continued.

Gunmen attacked the police compound
Following the explosion, armed attackers attempted to enter the police compound and exchanged gunfire with security forces.

Police said several attackers were killed during the subsequent operation. The blast severely damaged the mosque and surrounding buildings, while rescue teams searched through debris for victims.

Images from the scene showed collapsed walls and extensive damage around the mosque, with emergency workers transporting injured people to hospitals.

Responsibility remains disputed
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the Associated Press and Reuters reports. The Pakistani Taliban, or TTP, was among the groups suspected by authorities and analysts, although the group publicly denied involvement in the attack.

The attack comes amid an increase in militant violence in northwestern Pakistan, particularly in areas near the Afghan border.

Pakistani authorities have previously accused militants of using safe havens in Afghanistan, while Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have rejected those accusations.

Investigation and rescue operation continue
Authorities continued clearing the site and investigating the circumstances of the coordinated attack. The incident has left dozens of families affected, with police officers and worshippers among the casualties.

Sources:

Reuters – Death toll reaches 31
Associated Press – Pakistan mosque bombing
Dawn – Kohat Police Lines attack
ABC News – Pakistan mosque bombing