The overnight operation was launched after an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the old Police Lines during Friday prayers before detonating. Armed militants subsequently entered the compound, prompting a prolonged exchange of fire.
The attack and subsequent clashes left at least 21 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to officials. Most of those killed and injured were police personnel and worshippers.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said the vehicle struck the gate before exploding, while firing broke out in the area. He said another suicide blast occurred near the Special Branch building during the exchange of fire.
The Central Police Office said Elite Force commandos, Counter Terrorism Department teams and security forces cleared key sections of the Police Lines. The operation was led by senior police officials, including the Additional Inspector General of CTD, the regional police officer and the Kohat district police officer.
The CPO said the operation continued overnight, with IGP Hameed and other senior officials remaining at the site. The police chief described the operation as a success and praised police, CTD personnel and security forces for their response.
According to police, all eight attackers were killed during the clearance operation, including militants who had entered the Special Branch building.
Security forces and bomb disposal teams subsequently cleared the area before handing it back to police. The operation lasted for around 20 hours, according to reports.
Separately, militants opened fire on a police post at the main entrance of the Kohat district courts. The post was damaged, but no casualties were reported.
Authorities have closed government offices and district courts in the vicinity of the Police Lines as additional security measures were introduced.
An emergency was also declared in Kohat, with police increasing checks at entry and exit points across the city.
