Afghan Militants Behind Wana College Attack: Security Sources

Wana: Pakistani security officials say the attackers who stormed Wana Cadet College were all Afghan nationals and the whole operation was planned from Afghanistan.

According to the officials:

• The attack was planned in Afghanistan and overseen from there.
• The final order to carry out the assault came from an Afghan commander named Noor Wali Mehsud (Kharji), security sources said.
• The operation followed instructions received from Afghanistan during the attack.

Security sources named “Zahid” as the planner of the attack. They also said the group claimed responsibility using the name “Jaish al-Hind” after Noor Wali Mehsud ordered it. In a video recorded during the attack, one of the attackers can be heard repeatedly saying the name Jaish al-Hind, the sources added.

The statement said the attackers used equipment and weapons provided from Afghanistan, and that some of the weapons were manufactured in the United States, according to the same sources.

Officials also said the Afghan Taliban had pressured the local group Fitna al-Khawarij not to use their real name in claiming responsibility. Security sources explained this was because using real identities would increase pressure from Pakistan and friendly countries.

The identities of the Afghan militants killed during the operation have, the sources say, removed all remaining doubts about their nationality and links.

Authorities stressed that, under the National Action Plan and the mission to protect the country, operations will continue until the last terrorist involved is eliminated or captured.

All claims above are based on Pakistani security sources speaking to officials; the matter is under investigation and further confirmations may follow.