Global Terrorism Index 2025

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Ten Countries Most Impacted by Terrorism: (7) Somalia
The impact of terrorism in Somalia declined in 2024, continuing a trend that began six years ago. There were 359 deaths and 144 incidents in 2024, a fall of 19 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively, compared to the previous year. This reduction marked the sixth-largest global decrease in deaths and Somalia's lowest death toll since 2015, driven by reduced al-Shabaab activity. 

Al-Shabaab, Somalia's most lethal terrorist group, was responsible for 96 per cent of recorded terrorist attacks and 99 per cent of deaths in 2024. Deaths attributed to al-Shabaab declined by 19 per cent, driven by successful military campaigns led by the Somali government, bolstered by collaboration with local militias in the fight against al-Shabaab. Additionally, support from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and US military interventions have strengthened Somali forces, improving their ability to counter al-Shabaab effectively. 

Terrorism became more concentrated in and around Banaadir, the home of Somali’s capital, Mogadishu, in 2024. While terrorist activity in the region decreased by 36 per cent, deaths doubled, rising from 63 to 131. The majority of these deaths occurred in a single al-Shabaab attack, a suicide bombing and armed assault on a Mogadishu hotel that killed 37 people, making it the deadliest attack in Somalia that year. Al-Shabaab also expanded its operations into regions bordering Banaadir, with the Bay region experiencing 12 attacks that caused 31 deaths, the highest in four years. In contrast, activity declined sharply in Hiraan, where incidents fell by 89 per cent and deaths by 92 per cent. 

​Significant progress has been made in reclaiming territories from al-Shabaab through the combined efforts of the Somali government, US forces and the African Union. These coordinated operations have contributed to a sustained decline in terrorism-related incidents and deaths. However, disputes between the Somali government and clan militias have further complicated the country’s security landscape. These internal conflicts risk undermining counterterrorism initiatives, potentially allowing terrorist groups to regroup and regain strength, threatening the hard-won gains in regional stability. 
 
Global Terrorism Index 2025. Institute for Economics & Peace. Sydney, Australia.