All Students and Staff Rescued as Security Forces Conclude Operation at Wana Cadet College
Security forces in South Waziristan have successfully rescued all students and staff members of Cadet College Wana after an armed assault by Afghan militants linked to the Indian-backed group Fitna al-Khawarij. The clearance operation, launched to eliminate the remaining attackers, entered its conclusive phase on Tuesday as troops moved to secure the final building where the militants were hiding.
Swift Response Ensured Cadets’ Safety
According to security sources, the operation was carried out with extreme caution to ensure the safety of more than 650 individuals, including 525 cadets, who were present inside the college at the time of the assault. The attackers attempted to take hostages but were prevented from entering the cadet residences.
Officials confirmed that the assault began when the militants rammed a vehicle-laden explosive device into the main gate of the college, destroying the entrance and nearby structures. During the initial exchange, Pakistan Army personnel neutralized two militants on the spot. Three others, identified as Afghan nationals, remain surrounded within one of the college’s administrative buildings.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that at least three people were martyred in the course of the operation. “The terrorists tried to take people hostage but failed,” he said, adding that the attackers were in constant contact with their handlers in Afghanistan.
Forces Vow to Eliminate Remaining Attackers
Security officials have reaffirmed their resolve to continue the operation until the elimination of the last militant. “The operation will continue comprehensively to its logical conclusion,” sources added. They further stated that the presence of Afghan Khawarij made the safety of cadets the highest priority during the clearance phase.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) earlier confirmed that the attackers belonged to an Indian proxy network and were receiving guidance from across the Afghan border. The military highlighted that targeting educational institutions in tribal districts is an attempt to create fear among the youth who are pursuing quality education and a better future for their communities.
“This blatant act of barbarism orchestrated by Khawarij from Afghanistan contradicts the claims of the Taliban regime that no militant groups operate from their soil,” the ISPR statement read. “Pakistan reserves the right to respond against militants and their leadership present in Afghanistan.”
Regional Context and Diplomatic Response
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following the suspension of peace talks between the two neighbours. Last week, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that negotiations with Kabul had been halted with “no programme for the fourth round of talks.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking at the Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference on Tuesday, reiterated Pakistan’s position that a stable Afghanistan is crucial for regional prosperity and connectivity. “Afghanistan must realize that lasting peace can only be achieved by reining in TTP and other militant groups operating from Afghan territory,” he said.
The Prime Minister also commended the bravery of Pakistan’s security forces for their swift and professional response in rescuing all students and staff from Cadet College Wana. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to protect every citizen and continue countering cross-border militancy through decisive action.
A Message of Resilience
The Wana Cadet College attack has drawn widespread condemnation across Pakistan. Observers note that such assaults are part of a broader attempt by anti-state elements to destabilize the peace achieved through years of military operations in the region.
Despite the threat, Pakistan’s armed forces have vowed to maintain their focus on safeguarding educational institutions and ensuring that young people in the tribal belt continue to receive quality education without fear.
The rescue operation at Wana Cadet College stands as a testament to the professionalism, courage, and dedication of Pakistan’s security personnel, who prioritized the lives of innocent students over all else.
