In a major counter-terror success, Pakistani security forces have eliminated all terrorists involved in the Wana Cadet College attack, averting what officials described as a potential large-scale tragedy.
Security sources confirmed on Tuesday that all “Fitna al-Khawarij” terrorists — a term used for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — were neutralized during a swift and coordinated clearance operation.
According to security officials, four militants and one suicide bomber who stormed the cadet college were killed after a tense standoff with security personnel. “Not a single student or teacher was harmed, and the building is now being cleared of landmines,” sources said, adding that all cadets and faculty members have been safely rescued.
The cautious operation was conducted meticulously due to the presence of Afghan militants inside the facility. “Our forces acted with precision to ensure every life was saved,” the sources said, confirming that the Wana cadet college attack has now entered its conclusive phase.
Attackers receiving orders from Afghanistan
Security sources revealed that the attackers were in constant contact with their handlers in Afghanistan and had targeted the college using a vehicle-borne explosive device that struck the main gate. “The militants were hiding inside a building far from the cadet residences and were receiving instructions from across the border,” they added.
At the time of the assault, nearly 650 people, including 525 cadets, were inside the institution. The attack, officials say, was aimed at instilling fear among the youth of South Waziristan who are striving for education and a better future.
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“This barbaric act by Khawarij terrorists from Afghanistan contradicts Kabul’s repeated claims that no such groups operate from its soil. Pakistan reserves the right to respond against terrorist elements and their leadership hiding in Afghanistan,” a military statement said.
The Wana cadet college attack came just hours after a devastating suicide bombing in Islamabad that killed 12 people and injured at least 27. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the wave of militant violence has effectively pushed Pakistan into a “state of war.”
“We are in a state of war,” Asif said after the Islamabad blast — the first deadly civilian attack in the capital in a decade. “Bringing this war to Islamabad is a message from Kabul, to which Pakistan has the full power to respond.”
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that at least three people were martyred during the Wana operation. “Terrorists tried to take people hostage inside the cadet college but failed,” he said, noting that the militants were receiving real-time orders from handlers across the border.
Information minister vows to expose terror betworks
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar announced that investigations into both the Islamabad and Wana incidents are underway. He vowed that “firm evidence will be shared with friendly countries and international forums” to expose those involved in cross-border terrorism.
“This could have been an incident ten times worse than the APS tragedy,” Tarar said, praising the skill and bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces. “They rescued 550 students without any casualties — that’s a major achievement.”
He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that Afghan territory must not be used against it and demanded that the facilitation of militants from Afghanistan be stopped immediately.
International reaction and UN condemnation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sorrow over the Islamabad suicide bombing and the car bombing in India. His spokesperson said the Secretary-General “condemns acts of violence and terrorism in the strongest terms” and called for a full investigation to ensure accountability.
The attacks come amid worsening ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan after the collapse of recent peace talks between the two governments. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that negotiations had been suspended indefinitely, with “no programme for the fourth round of talks.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference on Tuesday, called on Kabul to take decisive action against terrorist groups, including the TTP, operating from Afghan soil. “Lasting peace in the region is only possible if Afghanistan reins in the TTP and other militants,” the prime minister said.
Pakistan has been facing renewed border tensions with both Afghanistan and India in recent months, including airstrikes targeting TTP hideouts inside Afghan territory and armed clashes along the frontier.
