Afghanistan ranks ninth in 2025 Global Terrorism Index amid persistent threats
Afghanistan has dropped to ninth place in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), marking its lowest ranking since the index began in 2012, Afghan news network Amu reported. While this suggests a reduced impact of terrorism compared to its third-place position in 2012, the decline is partly attributed to the exclusion of Taliban-related violence following their 2021 takeover.
The report added that despite the improved ranking, terrorist attacks surged by nearly 20%, with ISIS-K emerging as the deadliest group, responsible for 57% of terrorism-related deaths.
The deadliest attack in 2024 occurred in Kandahar Province, where an ISIS-K suicide bomber killed 21 people at a bank branch. Terrorist activity remains concentrated in northern Afghanistan, with Kabul and Takhar experiencing the highest number of attacks. Kabul, the most terrorism-affected province for 11 consecutive years, recorded 41 attacks but saw a 48% decline in fatalities.
The Taliban, now in their fourth year of rule, face resistance from armed opposition groups like the Afghanistan Freedom Front and the National Resistance Front, particularly in northern provinces. Tensions with Pakistan have also worsened due to Pakistani airstrikes targeting suspected militant hideouts in Afghan territory.
While terrorism-related deaths have declined, the GTI highlighted Afghanistan’s severe restrictions on women’s rights and civil liberties under Taliban rule, factors not reflected in the index. The report concluded that despite the improved ranking, Afghanistan’s long-term stability remains uncertain amid ongoing security and governance challenges.
