Live Feeds
● TRACKER Updated 16d ago · 44 sources tracked

Group With Al Qaeda Links Claims Responsibility for Attack in Pakistan

Pakistan's Counter-Terrorism Department killed Zahid Gul, a commander with the Gul Bahadur militant group, during an operation in the Lakki Marwat region. Gul is accused of masterminding the September 18 attack on the Kohat Police Lines complex. That assault involved a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and a gunbattle that killed 23 people, including 17 police officers. The attack is among the deadliest targeting security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in recent months.

🎙️

Listen to Live Briefing

Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk

⏱ ~2 min
Speed:
RSS Source map (44)
⚡ Key Developments & Real-Time Context
Text size:
  • ✓ Zahid Gul, a commander associated with the Gul Bahadur militant group, was killed in a joint operation in Lakki Marwat.
  • ✓ The September 18 attack on the Kohat Police Lines complex killed 23 people, including 17 police personnel.
  • ✓ The Kohat assault began with a vehicle explosion followed by a gunbattle.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 44 independent reporting domains (90% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Counter-terrorism police confirmed the death of Zahid Gul, the alleged mastermind of the September 18 Kohat attack.

Live updates

  1. Pakistan Kills Alleged Mastermind of September Kohat Attack

    Pakistan's Counter-Terrorism Department killed Zahid Gul, a commander with the Gul Bahadur militant group, during an operation in the Lakki Marwat region. Gul is accused of masterminding the September 18 attack on the Kohat Police Lines complex. That assault involved a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and a gunbattle that killed 23 people, including 17 police officers. The attack is among the deadliest targeting security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in recent months.

    Why it matters

    The attack occurred during Juma prayers, which the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting attributed to militants with Afghan roots. Tensions remain high as the Afghan Taliban claim Pakistani air strikes on TTP targets have killed civilians.

    What is confirmed

    • Zahid Gul, a commander associated with the Gul Bahadur militant group, was killed in a joint operation in Lakki Marwat.
    • The September 18 attack on the Kohat Police Lines complex killed 23 people, including 17 police personnel.
    • The Kohat assault began with a vehicle explosion followed by a gunbattle.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Pakistani air strikes in Afghan territory killed dozens of civilians, including women and children.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of Gul Bahadur group's official response to the killing of Zahid Gul
    • Further UN Security Council discussions regarding Pakistani counter-terrorism efforts
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. en.wikipedia.org — Responsibility for the September 11 attacks - Wikipedia
    2. www.arabnews.pk — Pakistan police say mastermind of deadly September Kohat ...
    3. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/19 Links Pt2: American Intellectual Antisemitism; Sally Rooney is a posturing ingrate; Radical anti-Israel leftist a suspect in....
    4. www.afintl.com — Pakistan Trained & Supported Militants During Afghan War, Says Achakzai | Afghanistan International
    5. www.newsx.com — Pakistan Taliban Stages Multiple Attacks Against Security ...
    confidence 90%

  2. Pakistan Blames Afghanistan-Based Militants for Kohat Mosque Attack

    Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting condemned a terrorist attack on police and civilians during Juma prayers in Kohat. The ministry attributed the attack to militants with roots in Afghanistan, describing them as Khawarij. While Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has called for a proactive global response to terrorism at the Security Council, a US Congressional report states that Pakistani military offensives and intelligence operations have failed to defeat UN-designated terrorist groups operating on its soil.

    Why it matters

    The attack follows claims that a group linked to Al Qaeda was responsible for killing 15-16 people. Tensions persist between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the use of Afghan territory to launch strikes.

    What is confirmed

    • The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting condemned a terrorist attack on police and civilians during Juma prayers in Kohat.
    • Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad requested a renewed global response to terrorism during a UN Security Council briefing.

    Still unconfirmed

    • A group linked to Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for a mosque bombing that killed 15-16 people and injured 50.

    What to watch next

    • Official response from the Afghan government regarding the Kohat attack
    • Evidence of coordination between Al Qaeda and TTP militants in Kandahar
    Sources used for this update (3)
    1. www.radio.gov.pk — MOIB strongly condemns barbaric terrorist attack in Kohat
    2. www.wionews.com — Pakistan continues to harbour terror groups against India ...
    3. www.radio.gov.pk — Pakistan calls for renewed global action against terrorism
    confidence 80%

  3. Group with Al Qaeda links claims responsibility for Pakistan attack

    A group linked to Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for a mosque bombing in Pakistan that killed 15-16 people and injured 50. The Pakistani military alleges Mullah Shirin, the Taliban governor of Kandahar, hosted a meeting with Al Qaeda, TTP, and Baloch militants to coordinate attacks in Pakistan. The Afghan government denies these allegations.

    Why it matters

    The accusations intensify regional friction as Pakistan conducts military operations in Afghanistan in response to drone strikes. Pakistan remains a hub and target for militant groups, according to a congressional report. The situation is fragile, with a single incident able to alter the trajectory of diplomatic relations.

    What is confirmed

    • Pakistan remains a hub and target for militant groups
    • A mosque bombing in Pakistan killed 15-16 people and injured 50
    • The Pakistani military claims Mullah Shirin hosted a meeting with Al Qaeda, TTP, and Baloch militants
    • The Afghan government denies allegations of Mullah Shirin's meeting with militants
    • India accused Pakistan of practising 'doublespeak' on terrorism at the UN

    Still unconfirmed

    • Mullah Shirin hosted a meeting with Al Qaeda, TTP, and Baloch militants to coordinate attacks in Pakistan

    What to watch next

    • Further developments in Pakistan's military operations in Afghanistan
    • Reaction from the international community on Pakistan's allegations
    • Investigation into the Pune techie's alleged links to Al Qaeda
    Sources used for this update (20)
    1. www.state.gov — Press Releases - United States Department of State
    2. www.wionews.com — Al Qaeda News - Latest Al Qaeda News, Breaking Al ... - WION
    3. www.wionews.com — Pune techie arrested with alleged links to Pakistan's banned ...
    4. indiawest.com — Pakistan Remains Hub And Target Of Militant Groups ...
    5. picss.net — From Kohat to Kabul: How One Attack Can Collapse a Diplomatic ...
    6. www.sciencespo.fr — Comparative Politics & International Studies | Sciences Po Centre de recherches internationales
    7. tnsr.org — Fighting Without Holding: Why Military Operations Fail to Produce Security in West Africa - Texas Nationa....
    8. newstodaynet.com — India calls out Pakistan’s ‘doublespeak’ on terrorism at UN - News Today | First with the news
    9. www.longwarjournal.org — Pakistan Archives - FDD's Long War Journal
    10. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/11 Links: Israel Is Clear-Eyed, Not Traumatized by Oct. 7; The lone wolf illusion: Alone in action, no....
    11. minutemirror.com.pk — Major Vindication for Pakistan: Afghanistan Becomes Hub of 25 Terror Groups, 8 New Al-Qaeda Camps Active – UN and Washington Post Report
    12. tribune.com.pk — Info ministry calls out Afghan Taliban for deflecting attention from terrorist sanctuaries - The Express ....
    confidence 70%

  4. Pakistan Accuses Taliban Governor of Hosting Militant Coordination Meeting

    The Pakistani military claims Mullah Shirin, the Taliban governor of Kandahar, hosted a meeting approximately one month ago with representatives from al-Qaeda, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Baloch militants to coordinate increased attacks within Pakistan. The Afghan government and the Kandahar governor's media office deny these allegations. This dispute follows a mosque bombing that killed 15-16 people and injured 50, which a group linked to al-Qaeda claimed. The accusations intensify regional friction as Pakistan conducts military operations in Afghanistan in response to drone strikes.

    Why it matters

    Pakistan and Afghanistan are trading accusations over the provision of sanctuary to terrorists. This conflict involves a security threat from the TTP, the BLA, and other militants based in Afghanistan. Tensions have escalated into cross-border military actions.

    What is confirmed

    • The Pakistani military claims Mullah Shirin hosted a meeting with al-Qaeda, TTP, and Baloch militants about a month ago to coordinate attacks in Pakistan.
    • The Afghan government and the Kandahar governor's media office have denied the claims of a militant meeting.

    Still unconfirmed

    • BLA, TTP, and al-Qaeda leaders met in Kandahar to coordinate operations in Balochistan including plans for training, funding, and logistical support.

    What to watch next

    • Official response from the Afghan central government regarding the specific allegations against Mullah Shirin.
    • Further evidence or intelligence released by the Pakistani military to support the meeting claim.
    Sources used for this update (7)
    1. www.hrw.org — Iraq: Dire Prospects for Alleged ISIS-Linked Men, Boys | Human Rights Watch
    2. chinaarticles.substack.com — “What’s Up” with Youth Unemployment in China - Substack,Matt Turpin ,China Articles
    3. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/05 Links Pt2: ‘An entire nation bows its head and mourns’: Israel marks memorial day for Oct. 7; I....
    4. www.afintl.com — Kandahar Hosted Meeting Of Al-Qaeda, TTP And Baloch Militants ...
    5. www.newsday.com — Pakistan's army says Afghan Taliban governor hosted ... - Newsday
    6. toosnews.com — Taliban reject Pakistan’s claim of a militarm eetigng between ...
    7. balochistanpulse.com — Security Sources Claim BLA, TTP and Al-Qaeda Leaders Held ...
    confidence 80%

  5. Al Qaeda-Linked Group Claims Responsibility for Pakistan Mosque Bombing

    A group with links to Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for a mosque bombing in Pakistan that killed 15-16 people and injured 50. This attack has increased friction between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as both nations trade accusations of providing sanctuary to terrorists. In response to drone strikes, Pakistan has launched military operations against sites within Afghanistan. The incident highlights a growing security threat involving the TTP, the BLA, and other Afghan-based militant groups.

    Why it matters

    Security ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated since 2025 due to an emerging nexus of terrorist organizations. The current cycle of drone attacks and retaliatory strikes indicates a failure of diplomatic efforts to curb cross-border militancy.

    What is confirmed

    • A group linked to Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for a mosque bombing in Pakistan.
    • The bombing killed 15-16 people and injured 50.
    • Pakistan and Afghanistan have accused each other of harboring terrorists.
    • Pakistan conducted strikes on Afghan sites following drone attacks.

    What to watch next

    • Official confirmation of the specific Al Qaeda-linked group involved
    • Further military escalations between Pakistan and Afghanistan
    • Reports on casualties from the retaliatory strikes in Afghanistan
    Sources used for this update (9)
    1. www.jpost.com — Middle East
    2. www.foxnews.com — Fox News 2026 Elections
    3. learn.microsoft.com — Microsoft 365 Groups overview for administrators
    4. learn.microsoft.com — Microsoft 365 Groups and Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Teams
    5. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — 'Total buffoons': CJP lashes out at critics calling themselves 'liberals', brands it a 'salty ecosystem' ....
    6. learn.microsoft.com — Manage a group in the admin center - Microsoft 365 admin
    7. learn.microsoft.com — Compare types of groups in Microsoft 365 - Microsoft 365 admin
    8. learn.microsoft.com — Create a group in the admin center - Microsoft 365 admin
    9. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Rahul Gandhi launches 'Satyagraha' website for information on current protests across India | India News
    confidence 100%

  6. Group With Al Qaeda Links Claims Responsibility for Pakistan Attack

    A group linked to Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for a mosque bombing in Pakistan that killed 15-16 people and injured 50. The attack has heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have accused each other of harboring terrorists. Pakistan has carried out strikes on Afghan sites in response to drone attacks. The nexus between Afghan-based terrorist groups, including the BLA and TTP, has been emerging since 2025.

    Why it matters

    The attack has increased tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with both countries accusing each other of supporting terrorists. This comes as Pakistan has been conducting strikes on Afghan territory in response to militant attacks. The situation has raised concerns about the stability of the region.

    What is confirmed

    • A group linked to Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for a mosque bombing in Pakistan that killed 15-16 people and injured 50.
    • Pakistan has carried out strikes on Afghan sites in response to drone attacks.
    • The nexus between BLA and TTP began emerging around 2025.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Prior to 2025, BLA carried out terrorist activities with the active support of General Directorate of Intelligence.

    What to watch next

    • Further developments in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations
    • Evidence of involvement of other terrorist groups
    • Pakistan's response to the mosque bombing
    Sources used for this update (3)
    1. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/01 Links Pt2: IDF: 170 Hamas, PIJ terrorists killed in Gaza were misrepresented as 'innocent journalis....
    2. www.nation.com.pk — Afghan based terrorist groups join hands to accelerate ...
    3. www.gulf-times.com — tag - Gulf Times
    confidence 90%

  7. Al Qaeda-linked group claims Pakistan mosque attack

    A group linked to Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for a mosque bombing in Pakistan that killed 15-16 people and injured 50. This attack has heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have accused each other of harboring terrorists. Pakistan has carried out strikes on Afghan sites in response to drone attacks.

    Why it matters

    The attack is part of a surge in militant violence in the region. Pakistan and Afghanistan have been at odds over terrorism, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to terrorists. The situation escalated with Pakistan carrying out air strikes on militant hideouts in Afghanistan.

    What is confirmed

    • Pakistan and Afghanistan have accused each other of harboring terrorists.
    • Pakistan carried out strikes on 10 Afghan sites in response to drone attacks.
    • A mosque bombing in Pakistan killed 15-16 people and injured 50.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Afghanistan has entered a civil war, according to former Afghan vice-president Amrullah Saleh.

    What to watch next

    • Further militant attacks in Pakistan or Afghanistan
    • Pakistan and Afghanistan's diplomatic response
    • International reaction to the escalating tensions
    Sources used for this update (16)
    1. kesq.com — US War in Afghanistan Fast Facts
    2. jen.jiji.com — Fabrizio Romano is looking for a girlfriend: "I hope to find her, it's a priority"
    3. jen.jiji.com — Jovanotti, the party's here: Lorenzo's 60th birthday, the eternal lucky boy of Italian music
    4. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 09/27 Links: IDF kills terrorist filmed abducting Noa Argamani; Israel marks two years since Nasrallah el....
    5. asiatimes.com — New jihadist coalition pushes Pakistan-Afghanistan to crisis point - Asia Times
    6. www.livemint.com — Suicide attack in Pakistan kills 12, injures 30 amid rising ...
    7. www.al-monitor.com — Explainer-What has turned the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan ...
    8. www.thehansindia.com — Pakistan claiming terror elimination rings hollow with credible inputs proving otherwise
    9. www.wionews.com — Islamabad leadership blames neighbours India and Afghanistan ...
    10. www.afintl.com — Afghanistan Has Entered Civil War, Says Former Vice President Saleh | Afghanistan International
    11. tribune.com.pk — Pakistan carries out strikes on 10 Afghan sites after drone attack: Attaullah Tarar
    12. jen.jiji.com — Cgil, Landini: "Our history at the service of the present"
    confidence 85%

  8. Pakistan and Afghanistan Trade Accusations Amid Militant Violence

    Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a crisis point following a series of militant attacks. Islamabad has rejected claims from Kabul that Afghan forces destroyed a Pakistani post near Spin Boldak, asserting instead that Taliban posts were punished and 13 personnel killed. This diplomatic friction coincides with a mosque bombing claimed by an Al Qaeda-linked group that killed 15 to 16 people and injured 50. Pakistan continues to accuse Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to terrorists while militant groups compete and converge to drive violence.

    Why it matters

    Regional instability is fueled by the interaction of various militant factions. Recent security operations in the northwest included a 20-hour standoff at Kohat Police Lines resulting in 8 terrorist deaths.

    What is confirmed

    • A mosque attack claimed by an Al Qaeda-linked group killed between 15 and 16 people and injured 50 others.
    • Pakistani forces killed 8 terrorists during a clearance mission at the Kohat Police Lines.
    • An attack on a police compound resulted in 31 deaths.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Kabul claims to have destroyed a Pakistani post near Spin Boldak.
    • Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring terrorists.

    What to watch next

    • Official verification of casualties at the Spin Boldak border
    • Further claims of responsibility for the mosque bombing
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. theconversation.com — Mosque attack highlights evolving extremism landscape that has brought Pakistan‑Afghanistan ties to crisis point
    2. jen.jiji.com — Goes to hospital with severe pain and two hours later becomes a mother: the story of Anna Wolfe, who didn't know she was pregnant
    3. jen.jiji.com — America's Cup, Luna Rossa in the lead after preliminary races in Naples
    4. tribune.com.pk — Islamabad rejects 'Fake and fabricated' Kabul’s claim of destroying Pakistani post near Spin Boldak
    confidence 80%

  9. Al Qaeda Linked Group Claims Pakistan Mosque Attack

    A group linked to Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on a mosque in Pakistan. The blast killed between 15 and 16 people and injured 50 others. Separately, Pakistani forces concluded a 20-hour standoff with militants in the northwest. This operation ended with the deaths of 8 terrorists during a clearance mission at the Kohat Police Lines. A different attack on a police compound resulted in 31 deaths, according to reports from AFP.

    Why it matters

    Pakistan faces persistent instability from militant groups in its northwest region. These attacks target both civilian religious sites and security installations. The involvement of Al Qaeda linked factions indicates a continued threat from transnational extremist networks.

    What is confirmed

    • A bomb attack at a mosque in Pakistan killed at least 15 people and injured 50.
    • A group linked to Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the mosque attack.
    • Pakistani forces ended a 20-hour standoff with militants in the northwest.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Eight terrorists were killed during a clearance operation at Kohat Police Lines.

    What to watch next

    • Official identification of the Al Qaeda linked group
    • Government statements on the Kohat Police Lines operation
    • Confirmed final death toll for the police compound attack
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. Al Jazeera — Bomb attack at Pakistan mosque kills at least 15, injures 50
    2. BBC — At least 16 killed in attack on mosque in Pakistan
    3. Reuters — Death toll at 31 in Pakistan police compound attack, AFP reports
    4. AP News — Pakistani forces end 20-hour standoff with militants in the northwest
    5. The New York Times — Group Linked to Al Qaeda Claims Responsibility for Mosque Attack in Pakistan
    6. Dawn — Kohat Police Lines attack: 8 terrorists killed as overnight clearance operation concludes
    confidence 80%
📊

Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?

Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community