Pakistan Security Forces Kill Alleged Mastermind of Kohat Police Lines Suicide Attack in KP

Peshawar (Terror Monitor) — Pakistani security forces and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) have killed a senior terrorist allegedly responsible for planning the suicide attack on Kohat Police Lines in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the provincial CTD.

The terrorist was killed during a joint operation in Lakki Marwat district, officials said, describing him as the alleged mastermind behind the attack and a key facilitator who helped transport a vehicle laden with explosives to the intended target.

According to details released by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CTD, the deceased terrorist had planned the assault on Kohat Police Lines and guided the explosive-laden suicide vehicle to the attack site. Authorities said he was also linked to several other serious terrorist incidents and had been on the security agencies’ most-wanted list.

Alleged Links to Gul Bahadur Group

The CTD said the slain terrorist had close links with the terrorist group led by Gul Bahadur, which has been associated with attacks against Pakistani security personnel and law enforcement agencies.

Investigators were examining his alleged role in multiple operations and terrorist activities in the region, officials said.

The CTD did not provide the suspect’s identity or disclose further details about the circumstances of the operation in its reported account.

Suspect Also Linked to Lakki Marwat Bank Robbery

According to the CTD, the slain terrorist was also present during a bank robbery in the Billi Tang area, in which approximately 6 million Pakistani rupees were stolen.

Authorities said the money was subsequently distributed among terrorist formations operating in the Bakkakhel and Jani Khel areas of Bannu district.

Investigators believe the robbery was connected to the financing of terrorist activities in the region. The CTD said other members of the terrorist network involved in these operations had already been taken into custody by security agencies.

The department did not specify how much of the stolen money had been recovered or provide further details about the arrests.

Second Attempt to Target Kohat Police Lines

Officials said the slain terrorist had brought a suicide bomber to the area approximately two months earlier as part of another alleged plan to attack the newly established Kohat Police Lines.

However, the earlier operation did not succeed, according to the CTD.

The latest operation is being viewed by authorities as a significant development in the investigation into the attack and the wider network allegedly involved in planning assaults against police installations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The CTD said the suspect had played a central role in coordinating the attack and facilitating the movement of the suicide vehicle.

Pakistan Air Force Installation and Police Training School Among Potential Targets

The CTD further disclosed that a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) installation in Kohat and a police training school were among the potential targets allegedly identified by the terrorist.

According to the department, plans were being developed to attack these facilities as part of a broader campaign targeting security and law enforcement installations.

Authorities said other operatives associated with the terrorist network had already been arrested and were in the custody of security agencies.

The CTD did not disclose the identities of the detained suspects or specify whether additional arrests were expected following the latest operation.

Security Operations Continue in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has faced repeated terrorist attacks targeting police, security forces and government installations. Districts across the province, including Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Kohat, have been affected by militant violence.

Security agencies have continued conducting intelligence-based operations to identify suspected terrorist networks, disrupt their activities and prevent attacks on law enforcement personnel and public facilities.

Officials said the killing of the alleged mastermind could help prevent further attacks by disrupting the network responsible for planning the Kohat Police Lines assault.

The CTD described the operation as an important success in its efforts to dismantle terrorist formations operating in the province.

However, authorities have not released further operational details, including the exact date of the incident, the identity of the slain suspect or a comprehensive account of the intelligence that led to the joint operation.