Car bomb attack in Pakistan leaves at least 16 dead, including five police officers

At least 16 people, including five police officers, have been killed after a vehicle loaded with explosives exploded near a mosque in northwestern Pakistan.

The attack took place in Kohat district, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to a senior police official in Peshawar, the vehicle was driven toward the mosque and exploded, causing extensive damage, the BBC reported.

Following the explosion, the attackers became involved in an armed clash with security forces. Authorities said that fighting in the area of the incident was still ongoing.

One of the attackers was reportedly killed, while security forces and rescue teams continued operations at the scene.

Meanwhile, authorities have launched searches and rescue efforts for people affected by the explosion. So far, the number of dead and injured has not been finalized.

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Investigations into the circumstances of the attack and the identity of the perpetrators are still underway.