Africa Emerges as Global Hub for Terrorism Activity

The US House Committee on Homeland Security released a report indicating that Africa has emerged as the world's most active terrorism theater, with more than two-thirds of ISIS's global activity taking place on the continent. The report, titled “25th Anniversary Report: National Security Improvements and the Domestic Threat Landscape 25 Years After 9/11/01,” was published ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

It states that seven of the ten countries with the highest terrorism-related deaths are located in Africa. Despite this alarming trend, the report notes that US and partner resources in Africa remain limited, and intelligence coverage is uneven.

The committee emphasizes the need for the US to rethink its approach to identifying and prioritizing threats, particularly in light of the rise of lone actors and inspired attackers. Additionally, it warns of the convergence of terrorism and cyber capabilities, stating that traditional counterterrorism tools are inadequate for the evolving landscape.