All students, teachers rescued as Cadet College Wana operation against terrorists continues
Photo: Express
All students and teachers present at Cadet College Wana have been rescued safely as operation against terrorists has entered its final phase, security sources confirmed on Tuesday.
“The operation will conclude in a comprehensive manner,” the source said, noting that security personnel were committed to eliminate the remaining terrorists, present in the college premises. “The security operation will continue until the last terrorist is sent to hell,” the security source added.
A labourer rescued by security forces told The Express Tribune, adding that the construction of a mosque was under way inside the college at the time of the attack. He added that the number of terrorists involved could have been more than three.
Security sources said there were still at least three terrorists hiding within the college premises. However, officials confirmed they were not near the students' residential block.
Students at Cadet College Wana have expressed unwavering resolve following a cowardly terrorist assault on the college, praising the Pakistan Army for providing them with opportunities for education and peace in the region.
One of the students said, “The Pakistan Army established this Cadet College for us so that we could gain education, peace, and progress.”
Condemning the attackers, the student added, “These cowardly terrorists have always wanted the children of Waziristan to remain deprived of education so they can impose their evil ideology.”
“They tried once again but failed — and they will always fail,” he said, reflecting the strong spirit among the students in the face of adversity.
According to an ISPR statement issued Monday, terrorists attempted to storm the college that morning. The attack began with a suicide explosion at the main entrance, injuring 15 civilians and four security personnel. The injured officials were identified as Naib Subedar Tabish, Lance Havaldar Shakeel, and soldiers Abdullah and Waqas.
Officials confirmed that security forces responded swiftly, engaging the attackers before they could enter the college premises. In the ensuing exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed. A clearance and search operation was then launched in the surrounding area.
On Tuesday, it emerged that around 650 people were still stranded in the college. Independent media platform The Khorosan Diaries wrote on X that security forces were currently devising a plan to evacuate the students.
UPDATE: There are at total of 537 students present in the Cadet College, of which 137 have been already evacuated.
The remaining children are stuck within the college due to crossfire. However, they have not been taken hostage, but have remained blocked in the clashes as the… https://t.co/zVbOfsj8KrAuthorities clarified that the students have not been taken hostage but remain confined to their dormitories, as attackers occupy the administration block opposite the student block, Khorasan Diaries wrote on X.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan had provided evidence to Afghanistan showing how individuals were receiving training there before launching attacks inside Pakistan, Express News reported.
He warned that if Kabul failed to curb such elements, Islamabad would have no choice but to take necessary measures.
Speaking to the media in capital, Naqvi said a suicide blast at Islamabad G‑11 occurred at 12:39 pm, resulting in the martyrdom of 12 people and injuries to 27 others. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed immediate medical assistance for the injured.
Read more: Suicide blast at Islamabad G‑11 courthouse kills 12, injures dozens
According to the minister, the suicide bomber had planned to enter the district court premises but, failing to do so, detonated near a police vehicle instead. “Our first priority is to identify the suicide attacker,” he said.
Naqvi further stated that a vehicle-borne suicide attacker had detonated at an entry point in Wana a day earlier, where clearance operations were still underway. He said evidence indicated Afghan involvement in the Wana attack, as communication links were traced to Afghanistan.
“The elements involved in the court attack will also be exposed,” he said, reaffirming that Pakistan would not compromise on its security. “We are aware of what Afghanistan is doing, but those behind the court incident will face consequences,” Naqvi added.