By The South Asia Times

WANA, South Waziristan — The Pakistan Army on Wednesday successfully concluded a counterterrorism operation after eliminating all militants involved in an attack on Cadet College Wana, rescuing more than 600 students and preventing what officials described as a “major national tragedy.”

According to security sources, militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the main gate of the college in South Waziristan, near the Afghan border, in an attempt to storm the facility. The attackers, identified by officials as Khawarij (outlawed terrorists), were swiftly engaged and neutralized by Pakistan Army troops stationed in the area.

In the ensuing firefight, one suicide bomber and four other terrorists were killed before they could inflict any harm on students or staff. “All attackers were eliminated, and not a single student or teacher was harmed,” a senior security official confirmed.

The blast at the main entrance caused significant structural damage, but the attackers failed to penetrate the inner compound. Army engineers later launched a clearance operation to detect and defuse any improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that might have been planted by the militants.

“This was a well-coordinated and timely response by our troops, who acted with great courage and professionalism,” the official added. “Their actions saved hundreds of young lives.”

Cadets Hail Army’s Swift Response

Students and staff at Cadet College Wana expressed immense gratitude and pride in the Army’s protection, saying their morale remains high and their commitment to education unshaken.

“The purpose of the Khawarij attack was to destroy our education and spread fear,” one cadet said. “But we did not panic. With the Pakistan Army beside us, we stood firm.”

 

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a forensic and intelligence investigation to trace the network behind the assault and its potential cross-border links.

The Cadet College Wana, a prominent educational institution in the tribal districts, accommodates hundreds of students from across Pakistan.