Where terror strikes most: Top 10 most affected countries in 2024

Burkina Faso remained the most affected country by terrorism for the second consecutive year, despite a 21% reduction in deaths. Extremist groups such as Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (JNIM) continued attacks, particularly in the Centre-Nord region, where the deadliest assault killed over 200 people. (Source: AI generated image)

Pakistan recorded a sharp increase in terrorism-related deaths, rising by 45%. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was responsible for most attacks, escalating violence in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. Suicide bombings and armed assaults marked a significant security challenge. (Source: AI generated image)​

Syria moved up two places in the ranking due to persistent attacks by Islamic State (IS) remnants and local extremist groups. Conflict zones like Idlib and Deir ez-Zor saw frequent bombings, with targeted attacks against security forces and civilians. (Source: AI generated image)

Despite a decline in attacks, Mali remained highly affected, with 604 terrorism-related deaths. JNIM and Islamic State militants continue to exploit instability, especially in border regions shared with Burkina Faso and Niger. (Source: AI generated image)

Niger saw the largest increase in terrorism deaths, rising by 94% to 930 fatalities. Jihadist groups expanded operations, targeting security forces and civilians. The instability reflects the worsening security situation in the Sahel region. (Source: AI generated image)

Terrorist activity in Nigeria increased, with deaths rising by 6% to 565. Boko Haram overtook Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as the deadliest group. Civilians were the primary victims, as factional conflicts intensified. (Source: AI generated image)

Somalia remained a terrorism hotspot, with al-Shabaab responsible for 96% of attacks. The deadliest attack in Mogadishu killed 37 people. Despite counterterrorism efforts, the group expanded operations, challenging government control. (Source: AI generated image)

Following the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack, Israel recorded a 98% drop in terrorism deaths in 2024. Security measures significantly curbed further incidents, with the year’s deadliest attack occurring in Tel Aviv. (Source: AI generated image)

Afghanistan recorded 113 terrorism-related deaths, a 12% decline from the previous year. Attacks by Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) remained the primary threat, with suicide bombings in Kabul and Kandahar. (Source: AI generated image)

For the first time since 2019, Cameroon reappeared in the top ten, with Boko Haram responsible for most attacks. The Anglophone separatist crisis further exacerbated security threats, particularly in the Far North region. (Source: AI generated image)