21 DEAD: Explosives-Laden Vehicle Rams Pakistan Mosque; Gunmen Open Fire...

A vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a mosque adjoining a police headquarters in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on September 18, killing at least 16 people including five officers. Gunfire continued between attackers and security forces at the scene as rescue operations began; one assailant was reported dead. No group has claimed responsibility yet. The attack fits a pattern of rising militant violence in Pakistan's border regions over recent months, with Islamabad blaming groups operating from Afghanistan despite the Taliban government's denial of providing sanctuary.