Global Deaths From Terrorism Down 22% From 2014, But Still Spreading

For the second year in a row, the total number of global deaths from terrorism has declined. There have been 22% fewer deaths from terrorism since the peak of terror activity in 2014, according to the Global Terrorism Index 2017 released by Vision of Humanity.

According to the report, there were significant declines in terrorism in four of the five countries most impacted by terrorism – Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. Collectively these four countries recorded 33 percent fewer deaths.

The report noted, however, that while the intensity of global terrorism has decreased it nevertheless continues to spread to an increasing number of countries.

There were 77 countries that experienced at least one death from terrorism in 2016. This is more than at any time in the past 17 years with two out of every three countries experiencing at least one attack, the report noted.

The report, which was officially launched at the Royal United Services Institute in London today, is a comprehensive summary of the key global trends and patterns in terrorism over the last 17 years.

Measuring 163 countries and covering 99.7% of the world’s population, one of the principle aims of the Global Terrorism Index is to help us to understand the global, regional and local impact of terrorism. With this understanding we can inform a positive practical debate about the future of terrorism and importantly, how we respond.