At first glance, the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 suggests progress: overall deaths from terrorism fell by 13% in 2024. But the reality is far less encouraging.
The GTI, produced annually by the IEP, measures the impact of terrorism across 163 countries, using data from Terrorism Tracker and other sources. The 2025 report shows terrorism becoming deadlier and more concentrated, with fewer groups carrying out fewer attacks that cause more deaths. Terrorism’s footprint is widening, with the number of affected countries jumping from 58 to 66 – the highest since 2018. More nations saw rising terrorist activity than improvements, breaking a seven-year trend of progress.
As Steve Killelea, founder of the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), warns: “Even though the headline figures look good, the state of play is not looking so good.”
Many Chelsea Group companies work in terrorism-affected areas, where understanding and anticipating the trends is critical. By leveraging decades of security and risk management experience, we help clients navigate volatile environments safely and effectively.
From 2023 to 2024: Fewer deaths, more terrorists
In 2023, terrorism deaths reached 8,352 – the highest since 2017 – driven largely by the October 7 Hamas attacks, which killed around 1,200 people and pushed fatalities up 22% from the year before.
But in 2024, deaths fell by 13% and attacks by 3%, mainly due to reduced activity in Myanmar. However, terrorism spread to more countries, rising from 58 to 66, with major groups expanding their reach. Russia and Iran saw sharp increases, climbing 21 and 7 places in the rankings respectively.
Rising geopolitical tensions are redrawing the global security map.
Key takeaways
- Burkina Faso remains the country most affected by terrorism
- Deaths from terrorism fell 13% from 2023
- 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.
- 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)
- 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
The link between conflict and terrorism
Since 2007, active conflict has been the main driver of terrorism. In 2024, 20 of the most-affected countries were in conflict, and 98% of all terrorist deaths occurred in these areas. Attacks in conflict zones were more than five times deadlier than in non-conflict countries. State-based armed conflicts are at their highest since WWII – a trend set to continue throughout the year.
Conflict provides fertile ground for terrorism to take root, with most countries involved in conflict more susceptible to terrorism because they often lack fully functioning states. Paramilitary and insurgency groups also use terrorism as a tactic.
Our experience shows that in conflict-driven terrorism hotspots, integrated security and operational solutions that combine intelligence, logistics, and local expertise are essential. Chelsea Group’s coordinated approach ensures continuity and protection for staff and clients.
Afghanistan marked its lowest rank on the GTI since the report launched in 2007.
Regional snapshots
The Sahel
The world’s terrorism epicentre – accounting for over half of all global terrorism deaths – comprises Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal. Deaths in Niger rose 94% in 2024, representing the largest global increase. The region sees jihadist expansion and shifting geopolitical alliances.
Afghanistan & Pakistan
Despite a 12% decline in deaths, terrorism increased by nearly 20% in Afghanistan in 2024. Neighbouring Pakistan’s 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. Chelsea Group companies Hart and CTG maintain ongoing operations in both countries, leveraging their extensive regional experience to navigate these heightened security risks.
Somalia
Terrorism in Somalia declined in 2024, with deaths and incidents falling 19% and 29% respectively. However, a single al-Shabaab attack in Mogadishu killed 37 people, the deadliest in the country that year. Chelsea Village Hotel, located near Aden Adde International Airport less than 30 minutes from the attack site, is protected by fellow Chelsea Group company Hart Nationwide, which maintains constant vigilance.
Myanmar
Terrorism incidents in Myanmar plunged by 85% as rebel groups shifted from terror tactics to conventional warfare, even as the country’s conflict deepened. Without this significant drop in Myanmar, the total number of terrorist attacks in the world would have risen by 8%.
Navigating terrorism in 2025
As terrorism continues to shift during the rest of 2025 and beyond, Chelsea Group companies remain hyper-vigilant – using intelligence-led strategies and local expertise to navigate these threats.