At least 21 people were killed after a vehicle loaded with explosives rammed into a mosque during Friday prayers in Pakistan, an attack in which gunmen also opened fire on a police facility.
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Key facts
- A vehicle loaded with explosives rammed into a mosque building during Friday prayers, a senior police official told the BBC.
- The death toll rose over the day, with the BBC reporting at least 21 killed by the evening.
- A four-year-old child is among those killed, according to the BBC.
- Gunmen also opened fire on a police facility during the attack.
- Al Jazeera reported at least 56 people injured and said a faction of the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) claimed the attack.
At least 21 people were killed after a vehicle loaded with explosives rammed into a mosque during Friday prayers in Pakistan, according to the BBC. A senior police official told the broadcaster that the vehicle struck the mosque building as worshippers gathered.
Casualty figures rose through the day as reporting developed. Early accounts from the BBC, Sky News and Al Jazeera put the toll at around 15 to 16 killed, before the BBC reported at least 17 and later at least 21 dead. Al Jazeera reported that 56 people were injured.
A four-year-old child was among those killed, the BBC reported. During the attack, gunmen also opened fire on a police facility, according to the BBC. Sky News reported that the vehicle carrying explosives rammed into a police compound and that a gunfight broke out.
The attack was not immediately claimed in the first reports, according to Al Jazeera, which noted that both ISIL and the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) are active in the region and regularly target troops. Al Jazeera later reported that a faction of the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) active in the region claimed the attack.
The incident occurred near a police compound, according to Sky News, which described the site as a mosque close to a police facility. The various outlets reported the mosque was targeted during Friday prayers, when worshippers were present.
As a developing story, details including the death toll continued to change across the reporting period, with figures cited by the BBC, Sky News and Al Jazeera varying as more information emerged.
Why it matters
Attacks on places of worship during prayers cause mass civilian casualties, including children, and highlight the ongoing security threat posed by armed groups in parts of Pakistan. The targeting of both a mosque and a police facility underscores the risks faced by both worshippers and security forces.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were killed in the Pakistan mosque attack?
Reports varied as the story developed. Early figures from the BBC, Sky News and Al Jazeera cited around 15 to 16 killed, while the BBC later reported at least 17 and then at least 21 dead. Al Jazeera reported 56 injured.
Who carried out the attack?
According to Al Jazeera, the attack was later claimed by a faction of the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) active in the region. Al Jazeera also noted that both ISIL and the TTP are active in the area and regularly target troops.
How did the attack happen?
A vehicle loaded with explosives rammed into a mosque building during Friday prayers, according to a senior police official cited by the BBC. Gunmen also opened fire on a police facility, and Sky News reported that a gunfight broke out.
Timeline
- Funerals held after deadly mosque attack in Pakistan’s Kohat
Al Jazeera: Funerals are underway in Kohat, Pakistan, after a suicide attacker rammed an explosives-laden car into a mosque killing
- At least 21 killed after vehicle loaded with explosives rams Pakistan mosque
BBC World: A four-year-old child is among those killed in the attack, during which gunmen also opened fire on a police facility.
- At least 17 killed after vehicle loaded with explosives rams Pakistan mosque
BBC World: A four-year-old child is among those killed in the attack, during which gunmen also opened fire on a police facility.
- At least 16 killed in car bomb at mosque near police compound in Pakistan
Sky News: At least 16 people have been killed in Pakistan after a vehicle carrying explosives rammed into a police compound and a gunfight broke out.
- At least 31 killed in car bomb at mosque near police compound in Pakistan
Sky News: At least 31 people have been killed in Pakistan after a vehicle carrying explosives rammed into a police compound and a gunfight broke out.
- At least 16 killed after vehicle loaded with explosives rams into Pakistan mosque
BBC World: A vehicle loaded with explosives rammed into a mosque building during Friday prayers, a senior police official says.
- Bomb attack at Pakistan mosque kills at least 16 people, injures 56
Al Jazeera: Attack not immediately claimed, but ISIL and Pakistan Taliban (TTP) active in the region and regularly target troops.
- Bomb attack at Pakistan mosque kills at least 27 people
Al Jazeera: Attack claimed by faction of Pakistan Taliban (TTP) active in the region.
- Bomb attack at Pakistan mosque kills at least 15, injures 50
Al Jazeera: This is a breaking news story.
- At least 16 killed in attack on mosque in Pakistan
BBC World: A vehicle loaded with explosives rammed into a mosque building during Friday prayers, a senior police official told the BBC.