Key terms and definitions
Terrorism
Terrorism is generally defined as the illegal use of force or violence against civilians with
the aim of creating fear and furthering political, ideological, or religious ends. The
Security Council Resolution 1566 (2004) provides a widely cited definition. It defines
terrorism as criminal activities, such as against civilians, done with intent to kill or
seriously injure, or seize persons as hostages, to induce a state ofterror in a population,
intimidating a population, or forcing a government or international organisation to do or
to refrain from doing something.
Conflict Zones
Conflict zones are regions experiencing armed conflicts that include civil wars,
insurgencies, and international wars, often involving significant violence and
destruction. Research indicates that terrorism frequently exacerbates these conflicts,
with non-state actors like rebel groups or terrorist organisations using violence to
achievepolitical objectives. The interplay of terrorism and conflict zones creates complex
challenges, including arms proliferation, civilian casualties, and obstacles to peace
processes.
Insurgencies
An insurgency is a coordinated effort toward the overthrow or radical alteration of an
established government or authority, normally through irregular and often protracted
armed conflict. Insurgents tend to be composed of non-state actors using guerrilla
warfare, subversion, and political mobilisation to challenge state authority. Insurgencies
usually stem from political, ethnic, religious, or socio-economic discontent.
Insurgents can pursue goals that extend from regime change and secession to
ideological reform. In contrast to terrorism, which is solely interested in creating terror
among civilians, insurgencies are interested in the takeover of territories, the creation of
parallel government structures, and the establishment of local support.
Overall, insurgency is a persistent, organised movement in revolt against the regular
authority, combining military tactics with political measures to gain the desired
Objectives.
Civil War
A violent conflict within a country between the government and one or more organized
non-state actors, or between such organized groups themselves, that results in
significant casualties.
Terrorism in Civil Wars
Terrorism in civil wars is a major threat to international security and peace, as it
accelerates conflicts. Civil wars, which are characterised by violence within states, often
include non-state parties, including rebel parties, that employ terrorism to achieve
political interests. Studies show that terrorism is employed strategically by actors at
different stages of civil wars- to start the war by mobilizing support, to instigate violence
by attacking civilians, or to sabotage peace initiatives. An escalation in both terrorism
and civil wars has been witnessed in the post-Cold War period. The economic effect of
terrorism in civil wars is enormous, with the destruction of infrastructure and lost income
negatively affecting national economies. Diversification may reduce the damage for
bigger economies, but smaller states are often severely derailed. Human tolls are also
largely concerning, with civilian casualties and injuries, causing lifelong psychological
trauma. For example, state terrorism by the Assad regime in the Syrian Civil War has
probably killed more people than non-state terrorism since 1970. From 1970–2017,
statistics indicate Islamist extremism to be responsible for 51% of world terrorist attacks,
reaching 73% between 2001–2017, demonstrating the role of ideological motivations in
contemporary conflicts.
State Terrorism
State terrorism is the commission of acts of violence and intimidation by a state against
its citizens or other people in order to create fear and silence opposition. In contrast to
non-state terrorism, which is committed by autonomous groups, state terrorism
incorporates the state's machinery—armed forces, intelligence, and security
agencies—used to assault civilians, usually in the name of keeping peace or protecting
national security.
In Syria, in the regime of Assad, many acts have been defined as state terrorism. The
most prominent example is the 1982 Hama massacre, in which security forces brutally
killed an estimated 10,000 to 40,000 civilians to suppress a revolt. In the Syrian civil war,
the regime has been accused of more than 300 chemical attacks, most often against
opposition-held territory, and resulting in large numbers of civilian deaths. Moreover,
broad accounts describe state forces' use of torture, disappearances, and extrajudicial
executions. Such activities, usually exempt from standard definitions of terrorism
because they are state-supported, justify the inclusion of state terrorism in the
discussion of violence during conflict. Identification and response to these actions are
important for holistic approaches to reducing terrorism and upholding human rights.
Historical Context of Terroism
Early 20th Century: Nationalist and Revolutionary Terrorism (1919–1949)
Terrorism emerged as a strategy within war zones, often linked to nationalist and
revolutionary movements2.
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) used guerrilla warfare, including bombings and
assassinations, against British forces during the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921),
demonstrating terrorism's use for political ends2.
In the Middle East, movements like the Irgun and Lehi employed terrorist methods during the
Arab-Israeli conflict (1947–1949), attacking British and Arab civilians to press demands for
statehood3.
These early instances illustrate how terrorism became an asymmetric warfare tool in conflict
zones, exploiting weak governance and colonial frameworks3.
Mid-20th Century: Decolonization and State-Sponsored Terrorism
The mid-20th century saw terrorism interwoven with decolonization movements, particularly
in Africa and Asia4.
In Algeria, the National Liberation Front (FLN) carried out bombings and assassinations
against French civilians and military personnel during the Algerian War (1954–1962),
escalating violence and drawing international attention4.
This period also marked the beginning of state-sponsored terrorism, with nations like Libya
and Iran funding organizations such as the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in their
conflicts with Israel4.
Such state-sponsored activities in conflict areas, like the Israeli-Palestinian region,
underscored how external powers could prolong violence, making mitigation more
challenging5. Terrorism in these settings often targeted colonial or occupying authorities but
also led to increased civilian suffering and regional instability5.
Late 20th Century: Globalisation of Terrorism
By the 1980s and 1990s, terrorism became globalised due to the proliferation of transnational
networks and ideological causes.
Conflict areas like Afghanistan and Chechnya transformed into breeding grounds for
terrorism, with groups such as Hezbollah, sponsored by Iran, launching cross-border raids6.
The 1998 Al-Qaeda embassy bombings in East Africa and Afghanistan indicated a rise in
terrorist threats extending beyond conventional war zones6.
Academics like Stathis Kalyvas referred to this era as one of "new wars" with non-state and
transnational dimensions, where terrorism capitalised on economic inequality and
ideological resentment.
The end of the Cold War further destabilised many areas, creating fertile ground for terrorist
organisations to grow.
21st Century: Transnational and Ideological Terrorism
The 21st century witnessed a significant shift towards ideological and transnational
terrorism.
The 9/11 attacks by Al-Qaeda in 2001 initiated an international "war on terror," leading to
military interventions in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Iraq to dismantle terrorist
networks.
However, these interventions sometimes created power vacuums, allowing groups like ISIS to
establish a caliphate in Syria and Iraq (2014–2019).
ISIS's use of social media for recruitment and propaganda highlighted the role of technology
in contemporary terrorism, extending its influence across conflict regions.
The Global Terrorism Index 2023 reported that over 90% of terrorist attacks and 98% of
terrorism-related fatalities in 2023 occurred in conflict regions, emphasising their
interconnectedness.
Other hotspots, including Yemen, the Sahel, and Somalia, saw groups like Al-Shabaab and
Boko Haram employing terrorist methods to exploit instability.
Major Terrorist Groups
● ISIS (Islamic State): Emerged in Iraq and Syria in 2013–14. Known for brutal tactics:
mass killings, public executions, terrorist attacks beyond its territories, and enticing
foreign fighters.
● Al-Qaeda: Originated in Afghanistan in the late 1980s and became famous after its
attack on the U.S. in 2001. It has affiliates in Yemen, Somalia, North Africa, and South
Asia.
● Boko Haram: Based in northeastern Nigeria since 2002. This group tries to impose a
strict version of Islamic law, kidnaps civilians, and attacks cities and villages in
Nigeria and nearby countries.
● Al-Shabaab: Evolved from the Union of Islamic Courts in Somalia around 2006. It
controls parts of Somalia, conducts bombings in Somalia and Kenya, and targets
peacekeepers.
● FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia): Began in the 1960s as a
Marxist-Leninist group. It funded itself with drugs and kidnappings until the 2016
peace deal. Some dissident factions still operate.
● Other groups: Various fighters in Libya, Yemen (Houthi rebels), Afghanistan (Taliban),
and local militias also use terrorism-like tactics—bombings, kidnappings, and terror
attacks.
Who Are Their Targets and Why?
Terrorist groups involved in conflict zones target specific groups of people for strategic,
ideological, or political reasons. These targets are not chosen randomly. Instead, they are
selected to create fear, gain power, spread their beliefs, or challenge the government or
international community. Understanding who these groups target helps us better respond to
and prevent attacks.
1. Civilians
The most common targets are innocent civilians. This includes men, women, and even
children who are not part of the military or government. Civilians are targeted because
attacking them creates widespread fear and instability. For example, when a market, school,
or place of worship is attacked, it makes people feel unsafe and helpless. This fear can
weaken the public’s trust in the government’s ability to protect them, which is what terrorist
groups want.
2. Government Officials and Soldiers
Another key target is the military, police, and government officials. These people represent
the authority and control of a country. Terrorist groups attack them to weaken the state's
power and show that they can challenge the government. For example, killing a local mayor
or police officer sends a message that the terrorists are in control of the area.
3. Ethnic or Religious Minorities
Many terrorist groups also attack specific ethnic or religious minorities. These attacks are
often based on hatred, extremist beliefs, or the desire to create division among people.
Groups like ISIS have targeted minority religions like the Yazidis in Iraq or Christians in parts
of Syria. The goal is to remove these groups from the region or punish them for their beliefs.
4. Aid Workers and Journalists
Humanitarian workers, doctors, and journalists are also common targets. These people try
to help victims of war or report the truth to the world. Terrorists may kidnap or kill them to
silence information, demand ransom money, or discourage others from coming to help. When
aid stops, people suffer even more, which can give terrorists more control over desperate
communities.
5. Foreigners and International Forces
Terrorist groups often attack foreign soldiers, diplomats, or tourists. These attacks aim to
scare off international involvement, protest against foreign policies, or get global attention.
For instance, in Afghanistan, Taliban and ISIS groups have attacked American and NATO
forces to pressure them to leave the country.
6. Schools and Education Centers
Some extremist groups believe that education, especially for girls, goes against their beliefs.
Groups like Boko Haram have attacked schools, kidnapped students, and even burned down
classrooms. They fear that education will make people question their control and beliefs, so
they try to stop it.
Why They Target These Groups
● To create fear and gain control over a population.
● To spread ideology by removing those who oppose or do not follow their beliefs.
● To weaken the state by attacking its institutions and representatives.
● To gain money through ransom, smuggling, or control of resources.
● To get media attention and grow their image globally.
● To stop resistance by silencing journalists, aid workers, and educators
Where
1. Middle East
Iraq (2003–2011, 2014–2017): After the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, the collapse of Saddam
Hussein's regime led to the rise of terrorist groups like al-Qaeda in Iraq, which eventually
evolved into ISIS. From 2014 to 2017, ISIS controlled large parts of Iraq, declaring a "caliphate"
and carrying out mass executions, bombings, and ethnic cleansing.
Syria (2011–present): The civil war in Syria opened space for multiple terrorist groups including
ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates like Jabhat al-Nusra. These groups gained control of territory,
imposed strict Sharia laws, and committed war crimes, prolonging the conflict and drawing in
international actors.
Yemen (2014–present): Amidst the conflict between Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed
Yemeni government, terrorist organizations such as AQAP (Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula)
and ISIS took advantage of the chaos. Their attacks on both sides and civilian areas have
increased instability.
2. Africa
Somalia (1991–present): Decades of instability allowed al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, to
seize territory and launch deadly attacks, including on AU peacekeepers, civilians, and
neighboring Kenya. Their terror tactics hinder governance and humanitarian aid.
Nigeria (2009–present): Boko Haram seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate in northern
Nigeria. Known for the Chibok girls kidnapping (2014), suicide bombings, and massacres, Boko
Haram has caused over 30,000 deaths and displaced millions.
Libya (2011–present): Following Gaddafi's fall, power vacuums led to ISIS gaining a foothold.
The country remains fragmented, with terrorist activity fueled by tribal rivalries and arms
trafficking.
Sahel Region (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger): Terrorist groups such as ISIS in the Greater Sahara
(ISGS) and JNIM (linked to al-Qaeda) exploit weak governance and communal tensions. These
insurgencies led to massive displacement and prompted ECOWAS-led mediation efforts.
3. South Asia
Afghanistan (1990s–present): The Taliban provided sanctuary to al-Qaeda, leading to the U.S.
invasion in 2001. Despite international intervention, Afghanistan remains plagued by Taliban
insurgency and attacks from ISIS-K.
Pakistan Border Regions: The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) saw extensive
militant activity. Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and al-Qaeda-linked fighters attacked military and
civilian targets, destabilizing the region.
Sri Lanka (1983–2009): The LTTE used suicide bombings and assassinations to demand a
Tamil homeland. Their targeting of civilians, including the assassination of former Indian PM
Rajiv Gandhi, led to intense military retaliation.
4. Latin America
Colombia (1960s–2016): FARC waged guerrilla warfare funded by drug trafficking and ransom.
While a peace deal was signed in 2016, splinter groups continue to use terrorist tactics.
5. Europe and Central Asia
Second Chechen War (1999–2009): Chechen separatists carried out bombings and sieges like
the Moscow theater crisis and Beslan school attack to gain independence from Russia. These
terror acts intensified Russian military response.
6. Recent International Armed Conflicts Influenced by Terrorism
Israel-Gaza War (2023–2025): Terror tactics by Hamas and Israeli airstrikes have escalated
violence. U.S., Egypt, and Qatar led mediation for ceasefires and humanitarian aid access.
Russia-Ukraine War (2022–present): Terror-style attacks on civilian infrastructure and cyber
operations by both sides have drawn global concern. Mediation continues without a lasting
resolution.
Sudanese Civil War (2023–present): Terrorism from local militias and Rapid Support Forces
(RSF) undermines peace talks. African Union and UN are mediating ceasefires and
humanitarian aid access.
India-Pakistan Pahalgam Crisis (2025): A terror attack in Kashmir escalated into air and cyber
strikes between the two countries. U.S.-led diplomacy restored a fragile ceasefire.
Root Causes of Terrorism in Conflict Zones
Understanding why terrorism takes root in civil wars requires looking at the underlying problems
that allow such groups to grow. These are not random events but the result of serious political,
social, and economic problems.
1. Fragile States and Weak Governments Terrorist groups often thrive in places where the
government is too weak to control its territory. In many cases, there is no police or army
presence in remote areas. When people do not feel safe or protected by the state, they may
turn to armed groups for security—even if those groups are violent. In countries like Somalia or
Libya, the collapse of central authority left power vacuums that extremist groups filled.
2. Poverty and Unemployment Many young people in conflict zones have no jobs, no income,
and no future. This creates a perfect opportunity for terrorist groups to recruit them. These
groups often offer money, food, or a sense of belonging. Poor economic conditions can push
people toward desperation, where terrorism may appear to be the only way out.
3. Religious or Ethnic Extremism Sometimes terrorism is used to push extreme religious or
ethnic views. Leaders of terrorist groups twist religious teachings to justify violence and spread
hate. In places where people are already divided by religion or ethnicity, these groups make the
divisions worse by targeting certain communities. This creates more anger and violence.
4. Foreign Interference Foreign countries often get involved in civil wars—sometimes to help,
but often for their own interests. This interference can make things worse. For example, military
interventions can kill civilians, creating anger that terrorist groups use to their advantage. In
some cases, powerful countries support one side, while others support the opposite side,
turning a local conflict into a global one.
5. Lack of Education and Misinformation In many conflict areas, people do not have access
to education. Without education, people are more likely to believe false messages. Terrorist
groups use social media, videos, and even schools to spread hate and lies. They convince
people that violence is the only way to achieve justice.
6. Historical Injustice and Marginalization In many countries, some groups have been treated
unfairly for years or even centuries. They may be denied jobs, services, or political power. When
these people feel ignored or mistreated, terrorist groups step in and offer revenge. They say,
“Join us, and we will take back your rights.”
In summary, terrorism during civil wars doesn’t appear out of nowhere. It grows in places where
governments fail, where people are poor and angry, and where history has been unfair. To stop
terrorism, these root problems must be addressed. Education, fair treatment, economic
opportunities, and strong governments are key to ending the cycle of violence.
How Terrorist Groups Operate in Civil Wars
Terrorist groups operating in conflict zones have developed complex and flexible methods to
grow, survive, and expand their influence. These methods are not limited to direct violence but
include recruitment, funding, propaganda, and logistical strategies. During civil wars, weak state
control, porous borders, and desperate populations give these groups the conditions they need
to thrive. This section outlines their operational strategies and backs them with data from global
reports and case studies.
1. Insurgency Tactics:
Terrorist groups often function like guerrilla insurgents. They break into small, mobile units that
are hard to trace and eliminate. These groups hide in forests, mountains, or even within civilian
areas—such as villages or refugee camps—to escape detection by national or international
forces. For example, Al-Shabaab fighters often blend into Somali villages, and Taliban militants
have been known to take shelter in Afghan civilian homes during military raids. According to the
U.S. Department of Defense (2023), more than 60% of Taliban attacks in 2020–2022 originated
from civilian-dense areas, complicating counter-operations and increasing collateral damage.
2. Foreign Fighters:
These groups recruit fighters not just locally, but globally. Through online propaganda, they
invite foreign supporters to join their cause. ISIS, at its height in 2015, attracted over 40,000
foreign fighters from more than 100 countries, according to the Soufan Center. These
individuals brought with them funds, technical knowledge (such as bomb-making or cyber skills),
and international networks that enhanced the group’s capabilities.
3. Cyber-Radicalization and Media Warfare:
Terrorist organizations heavily use the internet to spread their ideology and recruit members.
Platforms like Telegram, YouTube, and WhatsApp are used to distribute propaganda videos,
including training camp footage, ideological sermons, and even executions. According to
Europol’s 2024 report, nearly 80% of terrorist recruitment in Europe now begins online. ISIS’s
media unit, Al-Hayat, has produced videos in multiple languages, targeting young, vulnerable
individuals around the world.
4. Arms Smuggling and Trafficking:
Weapons are the backbone of terrorist operations, and in war zones, arms are easily available.
Terrorist groups smuggle arms across borders using black markets and alliances with local
militias or criminal gangs. The Small Arms Survey (2023) found that Libya, Syria, and Yemen
are key hubs for illegal arms movement, with caches of weapons looted from former armies or
smuggled in from neighboring regions.
5. Illicit Financing Networks:
To sustain themselves, terrorist groups use both violent and deceptive means to raise funds.
These include:
● Kidnapping for Ransom: AQAP and Boko Haram have collected millions by abducting
foreigners and locals.
● Drug Trafficking: The FARC in Colombia financed its war largely through cocaine trade.
In 2022, the UNODC estimated that FARC splinter groups still control over 70% of
coca-growing regions.
● Natural Resource Exploitation: Groups like ISIS controlled oil fields in Iraq and Syria,
earning up to $3 million per day at their peak (Brookings Institution, 2015).
● Charity Fraud and Diaspora Donations: Terror-linked NGOs and disguised charities have
been exposed in several regions for funneling donations to fund extremist violence
●
Key Data: Measuring Terrorism in Civil Wars
Terrorism has made civil wars longer, more violent, and harder to solve. Global reports, like the
Global Terrorism Index (GTI) by the Institute for Economics and Peace, show that over 43% of
all active civil conflicts now involve at least one major terrorist group. In 2023, more than
8,180 terrorist attacks were recorded worldwide, and many happened in civil war zones such
as Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Nigeria. Countries most affected by terrorism include
Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Somalia, Mali, and Syria, where groups like ISIS, Al-Shabaab,
and Boko Haram have been active for many years.
The number of people forced to flee because of terrorism in war zones is also very high.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Internal
Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), more than 70 million people have been displaced
due to conflicts involving terrorism since 2010. In Syria alone, 13.5 million people have lost
their homes—6.8 million remain displaced inside the country, while 6.7 million have become
refugees in other nations. In Africa’s Sahel region, including countries like Mali, Niger, and
Burkina Faso, over 3 million people have been forced to leave their homes due to terrorist
violence. In Nigeria, where Boko Haram has been fighting since 2009, over 2.5 million people
are now displaced.
Terrorist groups not only fight soldiers but also often attack ordinary people. Civilian deaths in
terrorism-related civil wars have reached alarming numbers. The Armed Conflict Location &
Event Data Project (ACLED) and UNOCHA report that from 2010 to 2023, over 90,000
civilians have died because of terrorism in war zones. In Iraq and Syria alone, ISIS attacks led
to more than 18,000 civilian deaths between 2014 and 2017. In Nigeria, Boko Haram and
ISWAP are responsible for over 30,000 deaths, many of them civilians. Even in places like
Russia, terrorist violence was deadly—such as the 2004 Beslan school siege, which killed 334
people, including 186 children.
To deal with this threat, international peacekeeping forces have been deployed in many conflict
zones. According to the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (2024), there
are over 95,000 UN peacekeepers currently serving in 12 major missions, many in regions
with terrorist activity. For example, in Mali, the UN's MINUSMA mission deployed over 12,000
troops to respond to attacks by jihadist groups. In South Sudan, over 17,000 peacekeepers
have been stationed to protect civilians. The African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) had
nearly 20,000 troops fighting Al-Shabaab, with more than 5,000 AU soldiers killed since 2007.
The cost of peacekeeping in these dangerous zones is very high, reaching more than $6 billion
each year, according to SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute).
Beyond the human cost, terrorism in civil wars also harms the economy. The Global Terrorism
Index 2024 estimates that terrorism cost the world $94 billion in 2023 alone. Countries with
ongoing conflicts—like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Nigeria—lose up to 5% of their national income
(GDP) each year due to destruction, reduced investment, and refugee care.
This data proves that terrorism does not just threaten one country—it creates suffering for
millions and weakens peace everywhere. It disrupts lives, destroys homes, kills civilians,
damages economies, and makes peacekeeping more dangerous and expensive. Understanding
these numbers helps us realize how serious the problem is—and why we must find solutions.
Sub-Issues in Terrorism and Civil Wars
Terrorism in conflict zones brings many related problems that go beyond violence alone. These
sub-issues make civil wars last longer, harm more people, and block peace.
One of the most important problems is terrorist financing. Terror groups often raise money
through illegal activities. For example, FARC in Colombia used cocaine trafficking to fund
their operations for decades (UNODC, 2021). In Nigeria, Boko Haram kidnapped people for
ransom and looted villages. In Yemen, terror groups have fought over oil-rich areas and
smuggled goods to survive. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) reported that many terror
groups also use fake charities and online donations to raise funds (FATF, 2022).
Another big issue is the recruitment of civilians and children. In many civil wars, terrorist
groups force children to fight or carry messages. In Syria, South Sudan, and Nigeria,
thousands of child soldiers have been used by groups like ISIS, Al-Shabaab, and Boko Haram.
UNICEF estimates that more than 90,000 children have been recruited globally in the last 20
years (UNICEF, 2023).
The cross-border spread of violence is also dangerous. Terrorist groups often don’t stay
inside one country. For example, Al-Shabaab from Somalia has attacked in Kenya, while
Boko Haram operates across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. This makes it harder for
countries to fight terrorism without working together. According to the UN Office of
Counter-Terrorism, nearly 60% of terror groups in Africa now operate across multiple borders
(UNOCT, 2023).
Terrorism also damages peace talks and ceasefire agreements. When terrorist groups attack
civilians during negotiations, trust is broken. In Yemen, groups like AQAP and ISIS have ruined
many peace efforts by bombing or assassinating leaders. In Syria, extremist groups refused to
follow peace plans led by the UN (UNOCHA, 2022).
There’s also confusion in defining who is a terrorist and who is a rebel. Some groups fight
for freedom or independence but use terror tactics. For example, the LTTE in Sri Lanka was
seen as a rebel group by some, but a terrorist group by others. This disagreement often stops
countries from working together or reaching consensus at the UN (International Crisis Group,
2021).
Finally, there is debate over ideology vs. political goals. Groups like ISIS are driven by
extreme religious ideology, while others like FARC or Chechen separatists fight for political
reasons. This affects how they behave during a war—and whether peace talks are possible.
Root Causes of Terrorism in Conflict Zones
Terrorist groups do not rise out of nowhere. Many root causes push people toward extremism,
especially during civil wars.
A common root cause is the presence of fragile states—countries with weak governments and
poor services. In these places, people feel unsafe, and armed groups can easily take over. The
Fragile States Index (2024) ranked Somalia, South Sudan, and Syria among the most fragile
countries, all of which have active terrorist groups (Fund for Peace, 2024).
Another major issue is poverty and unemployment. In poor regions, especially in West Africa
and South Asia, young people often have no jobs, no education, and no future. Terrorist
recruiters promise money or purpose. According to UNDP (2022), 40% of people who joined
extremist groups said economic hardship was the main reason (UNDP, 2022).
Religious or ethnic extremism is also a powerful factor. In places like Myanmar, Iraq, and
Nigeria, minority groups have been attacked or excluded from power. This creates anger and a
sense of injustice, which terrorist groups exploit. The U.S. State Department’s 2023 Terrorism
Report found that most terrorist hotspots had a background of ethnic or sectarian conflict (U.S.
State Department, 2023).
Foreign interference and military occupation can also make things worse. When foreign
troops invade or support one side of a civil war, local groups may turn to terrorism. The rise of
ISIS in Iraq is linked to the power vacuum after the U.S. invasion in 2003. In Afghanistan,
resentment of Western military actions helped the Taliban and al-Qaeda grow.
Misinformation and lack of education allow extremist ideologies to spread unchecked. When
people don’t have access to facts or critical thinking skills, they become easy targets for fake
news and hate propaganda. According to UNESCO, extremist groups often recruit online using
false stories or distorted history (UNESCO, 2023).
Finally, historical injustices like colonization, genocide, or systemic discrimination often leave
communities angry or hopeless. Groups like the FARC in Colombia and LTTE in Sri Lanka
rose in response to long histories of political and cultural oppression.
Why Is This Issue Important?
Terrorism in civil wars makes conflicts longer, deadlier, and harder to resolve. When
terrorist groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram become involved in a civil war, they bring
extreme violence, foreign fighters, and radical ideologies that go beyond the original conflict.
These groups don’t just fight governments — they target civilians, aid workers, and
schools to spread fear and gain control. As a result, civil wars become more dangerous and
more difficult to end through peace talks.
Humanitarian aid becomes harder or even impossible to deliver. For example, UNOCHA
(2024) reported that 70% of humanitarian missions in countries like Syria, Yemen, and
Mali were delayed, blocked, or attacked due to terrorism threats. Terrorist roadblocks, IEDs
(bombs), and armed checkpoints prevent food, medicine, and rescue teams from reaching
people in need. This causes suffering for millions of civilians, especially children and the
elderly.
Terrorist groups also reject or break peace agreements, making negotiations nearly
impossible. In Syria, for instance, UN News (2022) confirmed that terrorist attacks by ISIS
and Jabhat al-Nusra repeatedly disrupted UN-backed peace talks. Similarly, in Nigeria, the
Centre for Strategic Studies (2023) found that Boko Haram attacks increased each time
ceasefire negotiations were announced, showing how these groups act as spoilers of peace.
Terrorism causes violence to spread across borders, threatening regional and global
security. For example, Al-Shabaab attacks in Somalia have spilled over into Kenya, and
ISIS attacks in Iraq and Syria have inspired or directed attacks in Europe and Asia.
According to the Global Terrorism Index (2024), 40% of global terrorist attacks now
happen in or near active civil war zones. These cross-border threats make it harder for
neighboring countries to stay neutral or safe, dragging entire regions into cycles of instability.
Terrorism in civil wars also weakens governments and institutions. Health systems
collapse, courts stop functioning, and schools close. This leads to a “lost generation” —
young people growing up without education or opportunity, who are more likely to be
recruited by extremists. In Afghanistan, UNDP (2023) reported that 60% of schools in
conflict-heavy provinces closed due to Taliban and ISIS threats, pushing more youth
toward extremism or crime.
Lastly, international peacekeeping becomes more dangerous and less effective. UN
troops are targeted more frequently by terrorist groups than traditional rebel forces. Data from
the UN Peacekeeping Office (2023) shows a 45% rise in peacekeeper casualties in
missions where terrorist groups were active. These risks force countries to limit
deployments, making peacekeeping missions weaker and less likely to succeed.
Main takeaway: Terrorism in civil wars is not just a local problem — it turns national
crises into global security threats, blocks peace and aid, spreads instability, and harms
civilians the most
