ISPR: Two attackers killed after suicide blast; rescue and clearance operations continue amid claims of cross-border links
WANA / ISLAMABAD: All students and teachers present at Cadet College Wana have been rescued safely, security sources confirmed on Tuesday, as a clearance operation against terrorists who stormed the campus entered its final phase.
Security officials said at least three terrorists remain inside the college precincts but are not located near the students’ residential block, and security forces are conducting targeted operations to eliminate them. “The operation will conclude in a comprehensive manner,” a security source said, adding, “the security operation will continue until the last terrorist is sent to hell.”
Attack, response and casualties
According to an ISPR statement, attackers attempted to storm the college in a morning assault that began with a suicide explosion at the main entrance, leaving 15 civilians and four security personnel wounded. The injured security personnel were identified as Naib Subedar Tabish, Lance Havaldar Shakeel, and soldiers Abdullah and Waqas.
Security forces responded rapidly; in the ensuing exchange of fire two terrorists were killed, and clearance and search operations were launched across the campus and surrounding areas. Authorities said a labourer who was rescued confirmed construction of a mosque was underway at the time of the attack and suggested the number of assailants could have been higher than initially reported.
Students, staff and spirit
Roughly 650 people students, faculty and staff were reported to have been stranded at the college during the attack. Independent media outlets reported that security forces were coordinating an evacuation plan while keeping students confined to dormitories for safety as attackers occupied the administration block opposite the student block.
Students praised the Pakistan Army for providing educational opportunities and security in the region. One student said, “The Pakistan Army established this Cadet College for us so that we could gain education, peace, and progress,” condemning the attackers for trying to deprive Waziristan’s youth of education.
Allegations of cross-border involvement and related incidents
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters Islamabad had shared evidence with Afghanistan indicating individuals were receiving training there before launching attacks inside Pakistan. He warned Kabul to act against such elements or face necessary measures from Islamabad.
Naqvi also referenced a separate suicide blast at Islamabad’s G-11 district on Monday at 12:39 pm, which he said resulted in 12 martyrs and 27 injured; he added that the attacker had aimed to enter the district court but detonated near a police vehicle. “Our first priority is to identify the suicide attacker,” he said, and vowed the perpetrators behind both incidents would be exposed.
Ongoing operation and official lines
Security sources reiterated that the remaining militants are contained and not close to student housing, and that clearance operations will continue until all threats are neutralised. Authorities stressed there were no hostages but that students were temporarily confined for their own protection while the administration block and adjacent areas were being cleared.
Interior Minister Naqvi said evidence pointed to communications links traced to Afghanistan in the Wana attack and promised further action. Local and federal agencies are coordinating medical assistance for the injured and continuing investigations into the attackers’ networks and possible cross-border support.