The state of global terrorism is troubling. While surface-level statistics hint at global progress, a deeper look into the Global Terrorism Index 2025 reveals a world grappling with evolving and expanding threats. In 2024, terrorism’s geographic footprint widened significantly – the number of countries affected rose from 58 to 66, the highest since 2018. More countries experienced a rise in terrorist activity than those that improved, breaking a seven-year trend of overall progress. As Steve Killelea, founder and executive chairman of the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), aptly puts it: “Even though the headline figures look good, the state of play is not looking so good.”
The annual Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is a comprehensive analysis that measures the impact of terrorism across 163 countries, covering 99.7% of the global population. Produced by the IEP using data from Terrorism Tracker and other sources, the index assigns each country a score and analyses trends and patterns in terrorist activity.
The GTI 2025 — released in March and covering trends from 2024 — reveals that terrorism is evolving faster than ever. While overall deaths from terrorism have declined, the threat is far from receding. Instead, terrorism is adapting. Attacks are becoming more intense, new epicentres are emerging, and rising geopolitical tensions are redrawing the global security map.
Hart operates in some of the world’s most complex and high-risk environments, where staying ahead of evolving threats like terrorism is critical. That’s why we continuously track global security trends and evaluate key intelligence, including the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI). Informed by data and driven by strategy, our approach helps clients anticipate risk, protect operations, and maintain mission continuity. Explore our analysis of this year’s GTI to see how we translate insight into action.
Important stats from 2024’s GTI
- Burkina Faso remains the country most affected by terrorism
- Deaths from terrorism fell 13% from the previous year
- The number of countries with a recorded terrorist incident increased from 58 to 66 in 2024
- The Sahel region is the epicentre of terrorism, accounting for over 50% of global deaths
- Islamic State expanded to 22 countries, causing 1,805 deaths (71% of which were in Syria and DRC)
- Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP) emerged as the fastest-growing terrorist group, with a 90% increase in attributed deaths
- There was a 10% drop in deaths in sub-Saharan Africa (excluding the Sahel), marking the lowest since 2016
- Terrorist attacks jumped by 63% in the West
- 1 in 5 terror suspects is under 18 according to several Western countries, with teens dominating IS arrests in Europe
- Hate crimes surged globally, with antisemitic incidents in the US up 200% in 2024
Rising geopolitical tensions are redrawing the global security map.
From 2023 to 2024: fewer deaths, more terrorists
2023 was a landmark year for terrorism, with a total of 8,352 deaths marking the highest figure since 2017. This was largely attributed to the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which accounted for around 1,200 deaths and led to a 22% increase from the previous year.
The good news for 2024 is that deaths from terrorism have decreased by 13%. The number of terrorist attacks also fell by 3% from 2023 due to a decrease in terrorist activity in Myanmar.
The bad news is that terrorism continues to spread. The number of countries experiencing terrorism increased from 58 to 66, and the deadliest terrorist organisations expanded the number of countries they are active in. Russia and Iran both saw dramatic increases in terrorism from 2023 to 2024, highlighting a deteriorating security situation. Russia rose 21 points in the ranking, with Iran jumping 7.
The intrinsic link between terrorism and conflict
The index highlights that conflict and terrorism are intrinsically intertwined: since 2007, conflict has been the primary driver of terrorism and, in 2024, 20 of the countries most impacted by terrorism were all defined as actively being in conflict. Terrorism in conflict is also more intense, with an average of 2.7 fatalities per attack compared to 0.48 fatalities in non-conflict countries.
State-based armed conflict is the biggest current risk facing the global landscape, with research indicating that conflict levels will continue to rise throughout the year. Steve Killelea comments on this link: “98% of all terrorist deaths occurred in conflict zones, with 2024 recording the highest number of conflicts since the end of the WWII.”
Conflict provides a fertile ground for terrorism to take root. Most countries involved in conflict are more susceptible to terrorism because they often lack fully functioning states. Paramilitary and insurgency groups also use terrorism as a tactic to intimidate opponents and get an upper hand in conflict situations.
Hart operates in fragile and conflict-afflicted areas, including Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Ukraine, Mozambique, Myanmar, Ethiopia, and Yemen, most of which fall in the top 20 countries impacted by terrorism. The conflict status of these countries undoubtably impacts their status on this index.
Areas of concern
The Sahel region
The Sahel region – comprising Burkina Faso (Rank 1), Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea Mauritania, Mali (Rank 3), Niger (Rank 9), Nigeria (Rank 8) and Senegal – remains terrorism’s epicentre. The Sahel accounts for over half of all global terrorism deaths. Burkina Faso remains the hardest-hit country, while Togo experienced its worst year yet. Niger reflects the region’s volatility, with a 94% rise in deaths in 2024 – the largest increase worldwide.
Weak governance, ethnic tensions, and environmental issues have fuelled terrorism in these regions These factors were worsened by jihadist expansion – both Islamic State Sahel (IS-Sahel) and Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) have significantly expanded their operations – and geopolitical rivalries. The Alliance of Sahelian States (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger) also made a significant geopolitical shift when they removed Western involvement and withdrew from ECOWAS. Instead, the Alliance of Sahelian states strengthened ties with Russia and China, which provide support with fewer conditions attached.
With operations in Niger, Nigeria and Mali, Hart continues to monitor the security situation closely, adapting its risk management strategies to evolving threats and the shift in alliances.
Afghanistan marked its lowest rank on the GTI since the report launched in 2007.
Afghanistan (Rank 6) and Pakistan (Rank 4)
Despite a 12% decline in deaths, terrorism increased by nearly 20% in Afghanistan in 2024. Incidents rose from 73 in 2023 to 87 in 2024.
The country remains outside the top five on the GTI for the second year, marking its lowest ranking since the index began in 2007. This fall is attributed, in large part, to the fact that the GTI does not include violence by state actors in its definition of terrorism.
The impact has, however, been felt in neighbouring Pakistan. The number of deaths rose by 45% and the number of attacks nearly doubled from 517 in 2023 to 1,099 in 2024. This surge is credited to escalating militant attacks along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces remain the hardest hit, accounting for 96% of attacks and deaths in 2024.
Hart has been active in Afghanistan since 2004 – one of the few independent international companies operating in the country and the first to have its Private Security Company (PSC) operating license renewed by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior. Our extensive operations in the region, as well as in Pakistan, have equipped us with the knowledge and experience to navigate this developing security situation.
Somalia (Rank 7)
In 2024, the impact of terrorism in Somalia continued to decline, marking a 19% and 29% decrease in deaths and incidents respectively. This reduction was driven by decreased al-Shabaab activity and represented the sixth-largest global decrease in deaths, as well as Somalia’s lowest death toll since 2015.
Notably, terrorism became more concentrated around Banaadir, near Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. While terrorist activity in the region dropped by 36%, deaths doubled to 131. The majority of these fatalities occurred in a single al-Shabaab attack, a suicide bombing and armed assault on a Mogadishu hotel, which killed 37 people and was the deadliest attack in Somalia that year.
Hart Nationwide, a division of Hart International, provides security services throughout Somalia. They also secure Chelsea Village Hotel in the Aden Adde International Airport, which is located less than 30 minutes away from where the major attack took place. Hart Nationwide is always on high alert for threats of terrorism, with stringent security measures including strict gate control, blast wall protection and ongoing defensive security.
Myanmar (Rank 9)
Myanmar, ranked just out of the top 10 at number 11, saw a remarkable 85% decrease in terrorist activity in 2024 – despite its ongoing conflict. Without this significant drop in Myanmar, the total number of terrorist attacks in the world would have risen by 8%.
While the crisis in Myanmar deepens, the decline in terrorism deaths is likely linked to the growing strength and changing tactics of rebel groups. Non-state actors in Myanmar account for 21% of all non-state armed groups globally. They are starting to work together – relying less on terror-style attacks and focusing instead on conventional warfare against the junta.
Myanmar’s unique landscape, shaped by both the military junta and non-state armed groups, demands an adaptive risk-management approach – for which Hart is well equipped. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, Hart works closely with local actors, adapting to shifting dynamics to ensure effective action on the ground.
Hart’s integrated security solutions prepare and protect – mitigating risk proactively.
Navigating terrorism in 2025
2024 saw the largest percentage increase in terrorism since the inception of the index. Fewer attacks committed by fewer groups are causing more fatalities. As terrorism continues to evolve, security companies like Hart must stay ahead of the curve.
Hart always closely monitors terrorist activity and threats, with particular emphasis on understanding the regional nuances – such as those in Myanmar and Pakistan. Our proactive approach not only protects clients but also contributes to stability in the communities they serve, protecting people and property in even the most challenging environments.
Learn more about Hart’s protection and risk-management services here.