Terrorism is spreading, despite a fall in attacks

The number of countries that experienced a terrorist attack increased from 58 to 66 countries in 2024. While 34 countries improved in 2024, 45 deteriorated, the most countries to deteriorate in a single year since 2018. Additionally, the world’s four deadliest terrorist organisations substantially increased the number of people they killed, while also slightly expanding the number of countries within which they are active.  

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving landscape of terrorism worldwide. The latest edition highlights a shifting global threat, with some regions experiencing reductions in attacks while others face increasing instability. 

Global Trends: A Complex Picture

• The number of countries experiencing terrorist incidents increased from 58 in 2023 to 66 in 2024, the highest since 2018. 
• Overall deaths from terrorism fell to 7,555 in 2024, marking a 13 per cent decline from the previous year. However, this reduction is largely due to the absence of a large-scale attack like Hamas’ October 7 assault in 2023. Without that event, deaths would have remained at 2023 levels. 
• The number of terrorist attacks dropped by three per cent to 3,492 incidents, primarily driven by an 85 per cent reduction in Myanmar. Excluding Myanmar, terrorist attacks globally would have increased by eight per cent. 
• 45 countries saw deteriorations in their terrorism scores, while 34 experienced improvements.

The Most Affected Regions

1 The Sahel: A New Epicentre of Terrorism

• The Sahel region now accounts for over 50 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide. 
• Terrorism-related deaths in the region have increased nearly tenfold since 2019. 
• Weak governance, ethnic tensions, and ecological degradation have fuelled the rise of terrorist activity, with groups like Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) expanding into coastal West Africa. 
• Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the core of the Alliance of Sahelian States, are shifting away from Western influence and strengthening ties with Russia and China.

2 Sub-Saharan Africa: A Persistent Challenge

• Sub-Saharan Africa has recorded the highest number of terrorism-related deaths globally for the past eight years. 
• The region, along with the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, accounted for 95 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths in 2024. 
• Nigeria saw a decline in terrorist attacks but still recorded 565 fatalities, with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWA) remaining active. 

3 Pakistan and Afghanistan: Rising Instability

• Pakistan witnessed a 45 per cent increase in terrorism deaths, the largest year-on-year rise in over a decade. 
• Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) were the main drivers of violence. 
• In Afghanistan, terrorism-related deaths declined by 12 per cent, but attacks increased by 20 per cent, with Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISK) continuing to pose a severe threat. 

The Deadliest Terrorist Groups

The four most lethal terrorist groups in 2024 were:  

• Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates: Active in 22 countries, responsible for 1,805 deaths. 
• Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM): Dominating the Sahel, contributing to over 1,022 deaths. 
• Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP): Responsible for 558 deaths, marking a sharp rise in violence. 
• Al-Shabaab: Operating mainly in Somalia, responsible for 400 deaths. 

Emerging Trends in Terrorism

1 Increasing Use of AI and Digital Platforms

• Terrorist groups are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance their recruitment and propaganda efforts. 
• Encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and the dark web continue to provide secure communication channels for extremist organisations. 
• ISK has been particularly adept at using AI-enhanced videos and multilingual propaganda to attract recruits worldwide.

2 The Evolution of Lone-Actor Terrorism

• In Western countries, lone-actor terrorism is rising, with attacks increasing from 32 to 52 in 2024. 
• Many perpetrators are young individuals radicalised online, blending various ideologies influenced by digital content. 
• Social media algorithms play a role in pushing vulnerable individuals towards extremist content. 

3 The Growing Influence of Geopolitics on Terrorism

• The shifting geopolitical landscape is altering the dynamics of counterterrorism efforts. 
• Russia and China are deepening their involvement in security operations in Africa, especially in the Sahel, as Western countries reduce their military presence. 
• The war in Ukraine has had indirect effects, influencing conflicts in Africa and exacerbating instability in fragile states. 

Adapting to a Changing Threat

The findings from the GTI 2025 underscore the evolving nature of terrorism. While deaths from terrorism have declined, the spread of terrorist activity into new regions presents a significant challenge. The rise of AI-driven radicalisation, the persistent threat in the Sahel, and the geopolitical shifts affecting counterterrorism efforts all highlight the need for adaptive and proactive strategies. 

— Download the Global Terrorism Index 2025 Press Release
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— View the Global Terrorism Index 2025 interactive map
— Understanding Global Terrorism Index 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions