Security forces successfully foiled a terrorist attack on Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan district on Monday, after terrorists belonging to the Indian-sponsored group Fitna al-Khawarij attempted to breach the college’s security perimeter, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

According to ISPR, the terrorists launched a cowardly and heinous assault targeting the educational institution early Monday morning.

The assailants tried to breach the perimeter security, but their plans were thwarted by the alert and professional response of security personnel deployed at the college.

In a desperate attempt to enter, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the main gate, causing its collapse and damaging nearby infrastructure.

Two terrorists killed; three cornered inside college

ISPR confirmed that two terrorists were eliminated after troops engaged the intruders with precision and courage, preventing further infiltration.

However, three remaining terrorists managed to enter the college premises and have since been cornered inside the administrative block, where clearance operations are underway.

Security forces have cordoned off the area, ensuring the safety of students and staff while neutralizing the remaining attackers.

Attempt to repeat 2014 APS-style attack

The ISPR said the attack bore similarities to the 2014 Army Public School (APS) Peshawar tragedy, with the terrorists attempting to target young students in a barbaric act of terror.

“These Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al-Khwarij have once again tried to repeat the barbaric act of terrorism carried out in APS Peshawar,” the statement read.

It added that the intent was to instill fear among students of the erstwhile tribal areas, who are now pursuing quality education to secure a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Attackers linked to handlers in Afghanistan

According to the ISPR, the terrorists inside the college were in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan, receiving real-time instructions from across the border.

“This blatant act of barbarism orchestrated by Khwarij from Afghanistan is in sharp contrast to the assertions of the Afghan Taliban regime, which claims that no such terrorist groups operate from their soil,” the statement said.

ISPR added that Pakistan reserves the right to respond against the terrorists and their leadership present in Afghanistan, underscoring that such attacks will not go unanswered.

Security forces have launched clearance operations to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored terrorists in the surrounding area.

The ISPR reaffirmed that Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations under the national vision “Azm-e-Istehkam” -- as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan (NAP) -- will continue relentlessly.

“Our security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue their efforts at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism and safeguard the peace and stability of the nation,” the military statement concluded.