Afghanistan Ranks Ninth in Global Terrorism Index Amidst Ongoing Security Challenges
Afghanistan ranked ninth in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, its lowest since 2012. Despite a reduction in rank, ISIS-K remains a significant threat, responsible for most terrorist deaths. Attacks increased by 20%, with Kabul experiencing the highest number. The report highlights severe repression of women’s rights and ongoing governance challenges, indicating a complex security landscape for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan has been ranked ninth in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), marking its lowest position since the index’s inception in 2012 when it was third. This decrease from sixth place in 2024 suggests a perceived reduction in terrorism impacts, attributed in part to the exclusion of violence linked to the Taliban following their takeover in 2021. However, terrorist attacks in the country surged nearly 20%, emphasizing ongoing security threats, especially from ISIS-K, the most lethal militant group therein.
The GTI identified Burkina Faso as the country most affected by terrorism, with Pakistan, Mali, Syria, and Niger following. Other nations in the top ten include Nigeria, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cameroon. In Afghanistan, ISIS-K was accountable for 57% of terrorism-related fatalities, signifying its deadliness. The most severe attack in 2024 occurred in Kandahar Province, where an ISIS-K suicide bomber killed 21 individuals at a bank.
Terrorist activities are heavily centered in northern Afghanistan, with Kabul and Takhar witnessing the highest frequency of attacks. Kabul has remained the most terrorism-impacted province for the past eleven years, recording 41 attacks that resulted in 27 deaths. Notably, despite a significant increase in attacks by 78%, fatalities in Kabul decreased by 48%.
Currently, the Taliban, who are in their fourth year of rule, face opposition from armed groups such as the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) and the National Resistance Front (NRF). These groups challenge the Taliban’s security hold, particularly in northern provinces. Additionally, deteriorating relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are noted, worsened by Pakistani airstrikes targeting alleged Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts within Afghanistan.
The GTI also reiterated that Afghanistan remains the most oppressive country for women, emphasizing severe restrictions on their rights, including educational and employment bans. While the report acknowledged a decrease in terrorism-related fatalities, it pointed out that the Taliban’s oppression of civil liberties and political dissent is not reflected in the index. In conclusion, despite the lowered terrorism ranking, Afghanistan continues to grapple with severe security and governance issues, casting doubt on prospects for long-term stability.
In summary, Afghanistan’s placement as ninth in the Global Terrorism Index illustrates a complex situation where a perceived decrease in terrorism impacts does not equate to improved safety or stability. The ongoing threats from groups like ISIS-K, coupled with armed opposition to Taliban rule and deteriorating international relations, underscore the persistent challenges the country faces. Furthermore, the severe repression of women’s rights and civil liberties continues to exacerbate the crisis, suggesting that while rankings may improve, the underlying conditions remain dire.
Original Source: amu.tv
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