At least 16 people, including five police officers, have been killed after a vehicle loaded with explosives rammed into a mosque in Pakistan’s north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to a senior police official in Peshawar.
The attack took place in Kohat district, where a gun battle between the attackers and security forces was still underway, the official said.
One of the attackers has reportedly been killed, while security personnel and rescue teams continue operations at the site.
A rescue operation is also underway as authorities respond to the blast and ongoing security situation.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his condolences and conveyed his wishes for the swift recovery of those injured in the explosion.
Authorities have not yet provided further details on the identity of the attackers or claimed responsibility for the incident.
