Security forces successfully rescued all students and staff from Cadet College Wana after a deadly terrorist assault on Tuesday. The clearance operation, launched to eliminate the attackers who infiltrated the campus, has now entered its final phase, according to official sources.
Operation Nears Conclusion After Hours-Long Siege
According to security officials, all cadets and teachers have been safely evacuated as forces continue to search the premises for the remaining militants. The operation, they said, will continue until every terrorist is neutralized.
Authorities confirmed that a cautious approach was adopted to ensure the safety of over 650 people present inside the college, including 525 cadets.
Attack Linked to Cross-Border Militancy
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that at least three individuals were martyred during the operation, while the attackers were found to be in contact with their handlers across the Afghan border.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) earlier confirmed that the assault was carried out by Indian-backed militants from the group Fitna al-Khwarij, who used a vehicle-borne explosive device to breach the main gate. Two terrorists were killed in the initial response, while three others were cornered inside a building far from the residential area.
Pakistan Blames Afghan-Based Militants
Security agencies reported that the militants were orchestrating the attack under directions received from Afghanistan. The military condemned the assault as a deliberate attempt to spread fear among students in the tribal region who are striving for education and progress.
“This act of barbarism, directed by Khwarij elements from Afghanistan, exposes the hollow claims of the Afghan Taliban regime regarding the absence of terrorist sanctuaries on their soil,” the ISPR stated, reaffirming that Pakistan reserves the right to respond against such threats.
Tensions Rise After Peace Talks Collapse
The incident occurred shortly after peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan were suspended. (read complete article) Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed last week that negotiations had stalled with “no plan for the next round.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, urged Kabul to take concrete action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other extremist groups operating from its territory. He emphasized that regional stability and economic progress depend on curbing cross-border militancy.(read complete article)
