At least two terrorists were killed during an attack on Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan on Monday as security forces conducted a clearance operation at the educational facility, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military’s media wing said the initial attempt by the terrorists to breach the perimeter security was foiled by the “vigilant and resolute response by own troops”.

However, the attackers then rammed an explosives-laden vehicle against the main gate of the college, causing it to collapse and damaging an adjacent structure. The terrorists then entered the educational facility and were “cornered in the college’s administrative block”.

“Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, own troops engaged the intruders with precision, eliminating two khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij,” said the ISPR.

Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned TTP.

The ISPR added that the terrorists, inside the college, are in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan and “are getting instructions”. “This blatant act of barbarism orchestrated by Khwarij from Afghanistan is in contrast to assertions made by the Afghan Taliban Regime claiming non-presence of these terrorist groups on their soil.”

The military added that Pakistan reserves the right to respond against the terrorists and their leadership present in Afghanistan.

Pakistan reserves the right to respond against terrorists and their leadership present in Afghanistan.“

“These khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij have once again tried to repeat the barbaric act of terrorism carried out by them in Army Public School Peshawar in 2014,” said the ISPR.

On December 16, 2014, Pakistan lived through one of its most horrific chapters. The attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar and the operation to clear out the terrorists unfolded in less than 10 hours, during which 147 people, including 132 schoolchildren, were martyred.

The military maintained that the latest attack aims to instill fear among the youth of the tribal areas, “who are acquiring quality education at their doorstep to excel in life and achieve a better future for not only themselves and their families but also for their communities.”

Earlier today, the military’s media wing said at least 20 terrorists were killed in North Waziristan and Dara Adam Khel districts of KP.

Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in the past year, especially in KP and Balochistan, after TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022 and vowed to attack security forces, police, and law enforcement agencies’ personnel.

PM, Naqvi condemn attack

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and lauded the retaliatory action of the security forces.

He said the cowardly enemy had once again tried to target an educational institution and failed.

“Unwavering resolve of the security forces will thwart the nefarious designs of the terrorists,” the premier added.

“The entire nation salutes the security forces,” he said, adding that the government was determined to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the professionalism and courage of the security personnel for repelling the attack and eliminating two terrorists.

He said the timely and decisive action of the forces prevented a major tragedy and demonstrated their high level of preparedness.

“By thwarting the terrorists’ attempt, our brave soldiers have once again proven their dedication to protecting the nation,” Naqvi said.

Naqvi reiterated that the government and people stood united against terrorism and would continue efforts to eradicate all extremist elements from the country.

State broadcaster PTV News also released a video message from parents of the students condemning the attackers and expressing their solidarity with the security forces.