Suicide blast at Pakistan police compound: Death toll mounts to 31

Army soldiers examine the site following a powerful bomb exploded at a mosque in Kohat (AP photo)

The death toll from a suicide attack on a police compound in north-western Pakistan has risen to 31, news agency AFP reported on Saturday, citing a police official.The attack took place on Friday when an explosives-packed car was driven into the police facility as officers and their families were praying at a mosque inside the compound.Around 80 people, mostly police personnel, were taken to hospital after the blast. Several injured people were in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could increase. The number of civilian casualties was not immediately known.

Explosives-laden car hits mosque

The attacker drove a vehicle carrying explosives into the compound shortly after noon, striking the mosque's entrance wall. The blast brought part of the building down and left the area covered in smoke and debris.Officials believe three to five gunmen, in addition to the suicide attacker who drove the vehicle, may have tried to enter the compound. Witnesses reported gunfire as the attackers attempted to force their way inside.Among those killed were an SP-rank officer, a deputy SP and three inspectors from the Counter-Terrorism Department, according to sources.Videos shared on social media showed extensive damage at the site, with people fleeing the area as thick smoke rose from the compound.

Militants claim responsibility

No group had officially claimed responsibility by late Friday. However, suspicion has fallen on Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, an umbrella alliance of three militant groups operating in the region.Another group, Inqilabi Islami Pakistan, which is affiliated with al-Qaida in the Indian subcontinent, also claimed responsibility for the attack on Telegram.Accounts supporting IMP said its Al Badr suicide unit carried out what they described as an ‘Ishtashadi operation’ at the Counter-Terrorism Department premises.Rescue teams continued clearing the site and searching for victims after the attack, while authorities assessed the full extent of the casualties.