Security forces rescue 115 people stuck at WANA Cadet College

Of 650 people, including 525 cadets, who were present at WANA Cadet College at the time of an attack by militants, security forces have rescued 115, while 535 were still inside the building, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Tuesday.

Sources have told the TV channel that three Afghan militants who were present inside the college have been confined to the college’s administration block. The block, they have informed, is at quite a distance from the residences of the cadets. 

So far, none of the cadets has come to harm, sources have said, adding that security forces have laid siege to the entire area and they are conducting the operation with extreme caution since the lives of cadets are at risk.

On Monday, militants had rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the college’s main gate, due to which the gate was destroyed, while nearby buildings were also damaged. Acting on time, Pakistan Army personnel killed two militants on the spot.

The TV channel reported that the militants, identified as members of the Khwarij group, are in constant contact with their handlers in Afghanistan, receiving instructions over the phone.

Security officials stated that the Khwarij are holed up in a building located far from the cadets’ hostels. The clearance operation is being conducted with caution to ensure the safety of the cadets and prevent any harm to them.

Yesterday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that militants belonging to the Indian proxy group, Fitna al-Khwarij, carried out the attack on Cadet College Wana.

The ISPR reported that the attackers attempted to breach the college perimeter by ramming an explosive-filled vehicle into the main gate, which caused structural damage.

However, the vigilant and professional response of Pakistan’s troops thwarted the militants’ plans. Two terrorists were eliminated immediately, while three others managed to enter the premises and were later cornered inside the college’s administrative block.

The ISPR noted that these Khwarij militants attempted to replicate the barbaric attack carried out by the same group on the Army Public School in Peshawar in 2014, aiming to spread fear among the youth of the former tribal areas who are striving for education and a better future.

The statement further revealed that the attackers are linked to handlers in Afghanistan, contradicting claims by the Afghan Taliban regime that no such terrorist groups operate from their territory. Pakistan, the ISPR asserted, reserves the right to respond to terrorists and their leadership operating from Afghanistan.

Security forces are now conducting clearance operations to neutralise the remaining militants linked to the Indian-sponsored Khwarij network.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack on Cadet College Wana and praised the bravery and professionalism of the troops who neutralised two of the militants.

He said, “I salute the courage and dedication of our forces who protected the lives of innocent cadets and prevented a major tragedy.”

Reporter: Ahmad Mansoor