Attack on Cadet College Wana: Security forces successfully rescue all students, staff

ISLAMABAD: Security forces on Tuesday successfully concluded an operation to neutralise terrorists who attempted to attack Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan, rescuing all students and staff members safely after an overnight engagement that began on Monday.

According to security sources, militants affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij, reportedly operating from across the Afghan border, rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the main gate of the college late on November 10, causing a powerful blast that demolished the entrance and damaged nearby structures. The assault was followed by an armed intrusion attempt, which was swiftly contained by Pakistan Army personnel stationed in the area.

“Security forces responded immediately and with remarkable courage, eliminating two terrorists on the spot,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. The remaining assailants were later cornered inside the administration block, where a cautious and coordinated clearance operation was carried out to protect the lives of students and faculty members inside the premises.

By Tuesday afternoon, officials confirmed that all students and staff had been safely rescued, with more than 350 individuals evacuated from the college. The operation was personally overseen by the Inspector General Frontier Corps (South), who remained on site throughout the rescue effort.

Video footage released from the scene showed soldiers escorting cadets to safety. “The Pakistan Army protected us, and all students are safe, Alhamdulillah,” one of the rescued students said in a video message.

ISPR termed the assault a cowardly act by Afghan-based Khawarij terrorists, emphasising that those who target innocent tribal children “have no connection with Islam, the tribal code, or Pakistan’s prosperity.”

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to continue counter-terrorism operations until the complete elimination of terrorist elements, reiterating that cross-border infiltration attempts had increased in recent weeks, prompting tighter surveillance along the western frontier.

The incident was one of the most serious attacks on an educational institution in the region in recent years, drawing parallels to the 2014 Army Public School tragedy. This time, however, swift and decisive action by security forces prevented large-scale loss of life.

As of Tuesday evening, the area had been fully secured, with a comprehensive post-operation clearance and investigation underway to identify the facilitators and networks behind the attack.

“Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism remains absolute,” a senior security official stated. “Every attempt to harm our youth or disrupt peace will be met with a firm and unified response.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025