RAWALPINDI: Security forces successfully foiled a cowardly terrorist attack on Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan, killing two terrorists, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.
According to the ISPR, the attack was carried out by Fitna al-Khawarij, a terrorist group backed by India, which attempted to breach the college’s perimeter security. The ISPR said the attackers tried to break through the premier security cordon, but security forces swiftly thwarted the assault plan.
In desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the college’s main gate, causing damage to the gate and nearby infrastructure. “Two India-sponsored terrorists were killed, while three others managed to enter the college premises. They are now cornered and trapped inside the administrative block,” the ISPR statement added.
The military’s media wing said the terrorists were attempting to recreate an APS-style massacre, referring to the 2014 Army Public School Peshawar attack. “The terrorists inside the college remain in contact with their handlers and masters in Afghanistan, from where they are receiving directions,” the statement said.
The ISPR further stated that Pakistan reserves the right to respond against terrorists and their leadership operating from Afghan soil. The objective of these militants, it said, was to spread fear among the youth in tribal areas.
“The presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan contradicts the claims made by the Afghan Taliban,” the statement asserted. A clearance operation is currently underway to eliminate the India-backed militants, the ISPR said, adding that counterterrorism efforts will continue without interruption under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.
Meanwhile, security forces killed 20 khawarij in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province over the past two days. According to a statement issued by the ISPR, on November 8 and 9, 20 khawarij belonging to the Indian proxy outfit Fitna al-Khawarij were eliminated in two separate engagements in KP.
Upon receiving reports of khawarij presence, an IBO was conducted by the security forces in the general area of Shawal, North Waziristan district. During the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khawarij hideout, sending eight Indian-sponsored militants to hell.
Another IBO was carried out in the Dara Adam Khel district, where, following an intense exchange of fire, 12 more khawarij were neutralised. Sanitisation operations are underway to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored khawarij in the area. The relentless counterterrorism campaign, under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam — as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan — will continue at full pace. Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to wiping out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
Following the foiled terrorist assault on Cadet College Wana, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued firm condemnations and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism.
In a statement issued on Monday, President Zardari described the attack in South Waziristan a “heinous crime” and paid tribute to the security forces for thwarting the attempt. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the families of the martyrs and injured. The president also emphasised that the nation stands united with its armed forces in the fight against the scourge of terrorism.
PM Shehbaz Sharif, in his official release from the PM Office Media Wing, termed the assault a “cowardly act”. He said the government and the security forces were resolute in eliminating all forms of terrorism from the country. He prayed for the quick recovery of the injured and urged the bereaved families to bear the loss with fortitude. Both leaders underscored the significance of safeguarding educational institutions and protecting the youth from attempts to spread fear and violence.
