A devastating suicide bomb attack struck a mosque inside a police headquarters in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing at least 27 people and injuring dozens more.

The blast occurred during Friday prayers, when an explosive‑laden car rammed into the mosque entrance. The explosion caused the mosque’s walls to collapse, leaving worshippers trapped under debris. Witnesses reported hearing the blast from several kilometers away.

According to officials, 15 police officers and six civilians were among the dead. More than 75 people were injured, many of them worshippers, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties.

After the bombing, gunmen attempted to storm the police compound, sparking a firefight with officers. Provincial police chief Zulfikar Hameed confirmed the attack, describing it as one of the deadliest in recent months.

A faction of the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP), known as Ittehadul Mujahideen and linked to commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility. The group has been active in the region, targeting security forces and government facilities.

Rescue teams worked through the day to recover bodies and assist survivors. Senior rescue official Bilal Faizi said most of the wounded were worshippers caught in the blast.

The attack underscores the persistent threat of militancy in Pakistan’s northwest, near the Afghan border, where extremist groups continue to challenge state security.