• All five terrorists neutralised • Roofs of nearby houses collapse due to intensity of the blast; nine civilians injured
• ISPR says attackers tried to replicate APS-style assault, received instructions from handlers in Afghanistan

LOWER SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Security forces successfully evacuated all 650 individuals, including students, teachers and civilian staff, from Cadet College, Wana, on Tuesday following a terrorist attack on the institution.

The administration and army confirmed that the rescue operation was completed successfully, ensuring the safety of everyone present at the college.

On Sunday evening, security forces foiled a major terrorist attack on the Cadet College after militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the institution’s main gate, the military’s media wing said in a statement.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), three terrorists were killed in the retaliatory operation, while nine civilians sustained injuries. Roofs of nearby houses collapsed due to the intensity of the blast.

The ISPR said the attack was carried out by terrorists affiliated with the Indian proxy network Fitna al Khawarij — a term used by the state to refer to terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakis­tan (TTP) — calling it a heinous and cowardly act of terrorism.

The assailants tried to breach the college perimeter, but their attempt was thwarted by the timely and resolute response of the security personnel. In desperation, they detonated a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) at the main gate, causing its collapse and damaging adjacent infrastructure, the ISPR added.

Demonstrating professional excellence and exceptional bravery, the security forces engaged the intruders, killing two attackers on the spot, it said, adding that three other terrorists managed to enter the premises but were later cornered and neutralised inside the college’s administrative block.

The ISPR said the terrorists aimed to replicate the barbaric 2014 attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, intending to spread fear among the youth of tribal districts pursuing quality education for a brighter future.

The statement added that the militants inside the college were in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan, receiving instructions from across the border. “This brutal act, orchestrated from Afghan soil, contradicts claims by the Afghan Taliban regime regarding the absence of such terrorist groups on their territory,” it said.

“Pakistan reserves the right to respond against terrorists and their leadership operating from Afghanistan,” the statement emphasised.

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The ISPR said a clearance operation is underway to eliminate all Indian-sponsored militants.

It added that Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue their counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-i-Istehkam framework — approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan — until the complete eradication of foreign-backed terrorism from the country.

Meanwhile, a report from DHQ Hospital Wana confirmed that nine civilians, including men, women and children, sustained injuries when the explosion caused nearby structures to collapse. Hospital MS Dr Jan Muhammad said all injured individuals are receiving full medical treatment and necessary facilities.

It is worth mentioning that over the past year, terrorist incidents have sharply increased in Lower and Upper South Waziristan as well as North Waziristan, causing deep concern among residents. The surge includes bomb blasts, target killings, kidnappings for ransom, suicide attacks and assaults on security and police check posts.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2025