Wana Cadet College attackers 'identified' as Afghan nationals

Investigations into the deadly attack on Cadet College Wana have revealed that all militants involved were Afghan nationals, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Thursday.

According to security sources, the assault was planned inside Afghanistan, and the final order to carry out the attack was issued by the foreign-based militant leader Noor Wali Mehsud.

The attackers were also supplied with weapons and equipment from across the border.

Sources disclosed that the operation was orchestrated by a militant named Zahid, who acted on Noor Wali Mehsud’s instructions.

Zahid planned this operation under the name "Jaish al-Hind", and all logistical and material support for the assault was directly arranged from Afghanistan.

Security officials further revealed that the terrorists followed real-time directions from handlers based in Afghanistan throughout the operation.

In a video recorded during the attack, the militants repeatedly mentioned “Jaish al-Hind,” an alias reportedly used to conceal their true identity.

The purpose of the attack, security sources said, was to create insecurity in Pakistan, an objective allegedly encouraged by India’s intelligence agency, RAW.

They added that Noor Wali Mehsud and his network attempted to distance themselves from the extremist faction Fitna al-Khawarij by using the fabricated group name during the operation.

According to sources, Afghan Taliban pressure on Fitna al-Khawarij prevents them from using their actual identity, as such admissions could strain relations with Pakistan and allied nations.

In intercepted audio, the attackers can be heard speaking in Urdu and repeatedly referring to “Jaish al-Hind” to disguise their origins.

The security sources also confirmed that all weapons used in the attack were US-made and smuggled from Afghanistan.

The identification of the slain Afghan terrorists, they said, has removed any remaining doubts about the cross-border nature of the assault.

Reporter: Ahmed Mansoor