The Salam Center for Extremism and Islamophobia, affiliated with Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta, released its monthly terrorism index for October 2026. The report documented 48 terrorist attacks in 12 countries. Pakistan had the highest number of attacks with 12 incidents, followed by Nigeria with 10, and Syria with 9. Other countries affected included Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Burkina Faso, India, Somalia, Jordan, Afghanistan, and Mali.
These attacks resulted in 636 deaths, 199 injuries, and 25 kidnappings. The attacks varied, targeting patrols, checkpoints, police centers, and convoys. In Nigeria, attacks were concentrated in Borno, Yobe, Niger, and Kibi states, with 106 fatalities. A notable incident was a military base attack in Borno on October 15, attributed to the West Africa branch of the Islamic State, killing 20 soldiers.
Syria witnessed attacks on Defense Ministry and internal security force headquarters in Deir al-Zour, Hama, Daraa, and Aleppo. The Syrian incidents included five assassinations, with initial indications pointing to the Islamic State's involvement. Direct attacks were the most common type, making up 31 out of 48 incidents, or 65%. Assassinations and bombings each accounted for 7 incidents, or 15%.
Small arms were used in 39 attacks, or 81%, while light arms were used in 5 incidents, or 10%. The use of small arms highlights the reliance on readily available weapons and underscores the importance of monitoring arms sources and financing. It also emphasizes the need for comprehensive security and intellectual approaches that go beyond responding to incidents after they occur.
Military and police personnel were the primary targets, with 19 incidents targeting military personnel, or 39%, and 15 incidents targeting police elements, or 31%. Thirteen incidents targeted civilians, or 27%, and one targeted semi-military elements. This indicates that about 71% of incidents targeted security and military elements.
The Islamic State and its affiliates were the most active, claiming responsibility for 9 incidents, or 19%, concentrated in Iraq, Nigeria, and Afghanistan. The Taliban movement in Pakistan, as well as other groups like the Justice Army, Boko Haram, and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, each carried out multiple attacks. A total of 26 out of 48 incidents had claimed responsibility or identified perpetrators.
The Salam Center emphasized the importance of enhancing early warning systems and information exchange, particularly in environments where repeated attacks occur against patrols, barracks, and security headquarters. The center recommends adopting a comprehensive security approach, coordinating regional and international efforts, and protecting civilians, places of worship, and economic facilities.
Key points
- The Salam Center documented 48 terrorist attacks in 12 countries in October 2026.
- Pakistan, Nigeria, and Syria were the countries with the highest number of terrorist attacks.
- The Islamic State and its affiliates were responsible for 9 incidents, or 19% of the total attacks.
