SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Security forces on Wednesday declared to have successfully foiled a terrorist attack on Cadet College Wana, Lower South Waziristan, killing all the attackers after an intense clearance operation.

The operation commander, Col Mohammad Tahir, said that attackers targeted the main gate of the college on Monday evening, but timely response from security forces averted a major tragedy.

He said that one suicide bomber detonated himself near the main entrance while other terrorists attempted to enter the college and take students hostage.

He said that attackers were contained in a specific block, after which a full-scale operation was launched between 10pm and 10:30pm, resulting in elimination of all five terrorists, including the suicide bomber.

Official says attackers wanted to take students hostage

“The swift and coordinated action of security forces prevented a large-scale disaster,” said Col Tahir.

The cadets, who witnessed the attack, said that they were preparing for a drill competition at the time of the explosion. “We suddenly heard a loud blast during the drill.

Everyone was frightened, but our teachers calmed us down and told us that Pakistan Army reached the college,” said a cadet.

He said that they knew that the attack was carried out by enemies of education.

“However, soldiers safely evacuated us to a secure location. No matter what terrorists do, they cannot stop us from pursuing education,” he added.

On Monday at around 5pm, a suicide bomber blew himself up at the main gate of Cadet College Wana, completely destroying the entrance.

Following the explosion, attackers attempted to storm the college but they were immediately engaged by security personnel, who killed two of them on the spot.

Security forces rescued 550 cadets, faculty members, staff and more than 650 other individuals safely from the premises. A careful clearance operation was later initiated, which continued until late Wednesday night.

The operation concluded with the killing of all remaining militants.

According to sources, the operation lasted for 31 hours as the clearance process was delayed due to presence of landmines and explosive devices in the area. Fortunately, no casualties were reported among security personnel.

Tribal people paid rich tributes to their brave soldiers, who risked their lives to protect students of the college and safeguard the peace of the country by foiling nefarious designs of terrorist.

The blast at the entrance of the college was so powerful that it was heard far and wide while nearby residential buildings sustained heavy damage.

Roofs of several houses collapsed, injuring nine civilians, including five men and four women, residents said.

Dr Jan Mohammad, medical superintendent of district headquarters hospital Wana, confirmed injuries to locals, saying all injured had been admitted for treatment.

He adding that their condition was stable and medical care was being provided to them at the hospital.

Reports indicate that over the past one year, Lower South Waziristan, Upper South Waziristan and North Waziristan have witnessed a surge in terrorist activities, including bomb explosions, targeted killings, abductions for ransom and attacks on security posts, causing widespread concerns among locals.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2025