PESHAWAR: The teachers and students, during the clearance operation at Cadet College Wana, showed remarkable courage against the terrorists, demonstrating a steadfast resolve to fight terrorism.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir closely monitored the operation moment by moment and issued instructions emphasizing that the nation’s future leaders are a national asset and must be protected at all costs.
Pakistan Army personnel stood as a shield between the cadets and the attackers for over 24 hours, sacrificing their lives to save the children.
The operation commander, Colonel Muhammad Tahir, who led the effort to foil the attack by Afghan militants on Cadet College Wana, explained that on November 10, five Afghan militants targeted the college.
“The attackers attempted to strike the institution, which Pakistan Army had established as a valuable gift for the people of South Waziristan,” he said, adding that one suicide bomber detonated explosives, while other militants tried to force entry through the gate.
Initially, the operation commander added, the militants attempted to take the students hostage, but timely action by security forces thwarted their plans.
“The terrorists were confined to a specific block, ensuring the students’ safety. Around 10:00 to 10:30 p.m., a comprehensive operation against the militants was carried out, resulting in the elimination of all attackers.”
A cadet studying at the college recounted that the attack occurred while they were preparing for a drill competition in the late afternoon.
He said that the cadets realized the assault was carried out by enemies of education, determined to disrupt their learning, adding that Pakistan Army personnel safely relocated the students to a secure area. “The cadets affirmed that no act of terrorism could deter them from pursuing education,” he said.
