The death toll from a suicide bombing and gun attack on a police compound in northwest Pakistan has risen to at least 31, including 16 police personnel, according to police cited by AFP.

More than 100 people were also injured in the assault on the Old Police Lines complex in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The attack began on Friday when an explosives laden vehicle was driven into the police facility while officers and family members were gathered for prayers at a mosque inside the compound.

Armed attackers subsequently entered the complex, triggering a prolonged confrontation with Pakistani security forces.

AT LEAST 31 KILLED

A senior police official told AFP on Saturday that at least 31 people had been killed, including 16 members of the police.

More than 100 others were injured.

A statement from the Kohat district health authorities said many of those wounded were police personnel and several were in critical condition.

The rising casualty figure makes the assault one of the deadliest recent attacks targeting Pakistani security personnel and their families.

ATTACKERS TARGET POLICE COMPLEX

The Old Police Lines complex serves as a district police headquarters in Kohat.

It houses several important security units, including offices belonging to the Counter Terrorism Department and Special Branch.

The attack began when an explosives laden vehicle struck the facility while worshippers were gathered for Friday prayers.

The explosion caused extensive damage to the mosque and parts of the police complex.

Images from the scene showed security personnel among piles of rubble and damaged structures as emergency crews and ambulances responded.

GUNMEN STORM COMPOUND AFTER EXPLOSION

The vehicle bombing was followed by an armed assault on the compound.

Gunmen entered the complex and exchanged fire with Pakistani security forces.

The confrontation continued for hours as security personnel attempted to clear the compound and locate attackers who had taken positions inside parts of the facility.

Authorities deployed additional security personnel to the area while emergency teams transported casualties to hospitals.

MILITANT FACTION CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY

Ittehad ul Mujahideen Pakistan, a militant faction linked to Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Pakistani Taliban, commonly known as the TTP, is separate from Afghanistan's Taliban government but maintains historical and ideological links with the movement.

Pakistan has experienced an increase in militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other areas close to the Afghan border.

Police officers, military personnel and other security institutions have frequently been targeted.

MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE INJURED

The scale of the casualties continued to become clearer as rescue operations progressed.

More than 100 people were reported injured, with many receiving treatment at medical facilities in the region.

The presence of officers and family members at the mosque during prayers contributed to the high number of casualties.

Authorities have warned that some of those injured remain in serious condition.

PAKISTANI LEADERS CONDEMN ATTACK

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed sorrow over the casualties.

He directed authorities to ensure that those injured receive medical treatment and called for a report into the assault.

President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the violence and expressed condolences to the families of those killed.

The attack comes amid continuing security concerns in Pakistan's northwest, where militant violence has intensified in recent years.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused militants of operating from neighboring Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's Taliban government has denied allowing its territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan.

The latest assault once again highlights the security challenges facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly police and counterterrorism units operating in areas affected by militant activity.