Security forces foil 'APS-style' carnage in Wana

Two terrorists killed at Cadet College; three holed up inside: ISPR

RAWALPINDI:

Security forces foiled a major terrorist attempt to replicate the 2014 Army Public School (APS) tragedy, thwarting an armed assault by terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Fitna al Khwarij on the Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan, the military said on Monday.

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, "on 10 November 2025, in a heinous and cowardly terrorist act, Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij attacked Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan District."

The ISPR said the attackers tried to breach the college's perimeter security but "their nefarious designs were swiftly foiled by the vigilant and resolute response by own troops." In desperation, the terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the main gate, causing it to collapse and damaging nearby infrastructure.

"Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, own troops engaged the intruders with precision, eliminating two khwarij …. However, three Khwarij managed to enter inside college premises who have been cornered in College's administrative block," the ISPR added.

The statement said the assailants had once again tried to repeat "the barbaric act of terrorism carried out by them in Army Public School Peshawar in 2014," aimed at instilling fear among students of the tribal districts who were pursuing education for a better future.

The ISPR further said the "Khwarij hiding inside college premises are in contact with their masters and handlers in Afghanistan and are getting instructions. This blatant act of barbarism orchestrated by Khwarij from Afghanistan is in contrast to assertions made by Afghan Taliban Regime claiming non-presence of these terrorist groups on their soil."

It warned that Pakistan reserved the right to respond against terrorists and their leadership present in Afghanistan. "Clearance operations are being conducted to eliminate leftover Indian-sponsored kharjis," it said.

"We will continue relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision 'Azm-e-Istehkam' (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," the statement concluded.

Separately, ISPR said security forces killed 20 khwarij terrorists in two operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. "On reported presence of khwarij, an intelligence-based operation was conducted by the Security Forces in general area Shawal, North Waziristan District. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, eight Indian sponsored khwarij were sent to hell," the release stated.

"Another intelligence-based operation was conducted in Dara Adam Khel District and after an intense fire exchange, 12 more khwarij were effectively neutralized," it added, confirming that sanitisation operations were under way to clear the area.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces for their successful operations in Shawal and Darra Adam Khel. The president hailed the troops' "courage and professionalism," saying the operations reflected the nation's unity and resolve.

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to eradicating terrorism through "complete national consensus". Prime Minister Shehbaz also paid tribute to the forces for killing 20 terrorists, saying, "The protection of Pakistan is our foremost priority, and we remain resolute in eliminating every form of terrorism."

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a separate statement, saluted the security personnel for their bravery, saying, "The timely actions of our forces have foiled the nefarious designs of the terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa… I salute our security forces for sending 20 terrorists to hell."

He added that Pakistan's forces were achieving "significant successes in the fight against terrorism," and remained resolute in maintaining peace across the region.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)