Understanding Global Terror: International Terrorist Groups – Profiles and Activities
Published on May 9, 2025 by Renuka Bangale
Introduction
Terrorist organizations pose threats not only through violence but also by exploiting global financial systems to fund their operations. Understanding their leadership, regions of activity, and key attacks is essential for risk assessment and compliance. Certified Anti-Money Laundering (AML) experts need to track the terror outfits during their transaction monitoring tasks to help prevent the flow of illicit funds. This overview provides key profiles of major global terrorist groups to aid detection and mitigation strategies.
Afghan Taliban
An Islamist militant group that ruled Afghanistan from 1996–2001 and continues to fight for control. It enforces a strict interpretation of Sharia law. After the death of its founder Mullah Omar, leadership transitioned to Mansur and others. Responsible for numerous attacks on Afghan and foreign forces. Major Attacks : • 1996–2001 (Taliban Rule), Enforced harsh Sharia law. • 7 August 2015 – Kabul Truck Bombing • 8 August 2015 – Kabul Police Academy Attack • 10 August 2015 – Kabul Airport Checkpoint Attack
Al-Nusrah Front (Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham)
Originally Al-Qa'ida’s affiliate in Syria, now rebranded under different leadership. Played a major role in the Syrian civil war aiming to overthrow the Assad regime. It controlled territories in northern Syria and executed high-profile attacks. Known for its American suicide bomber incident in 2014. Major Attacks: • January 2012 onward Declared intent to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. • May 2014 – First American Suicide Bomber in Syria • 2012–2014-Seized military bases and infrastructure in northern Syria
Al-Shabaab
A Somalia-based jihadist group affiliated with Al-Qa'ida. Infamous for cross-border attacks in Kenya and bombings in East Africa. Enforces harsh Sharia law in areas it controls. Responsible for the 2013 Westgate Mall attack and the 2015 Garissa University massacre. Major Attacks: • September 2013 - Westgate Mall Attack (Nairobi, Kenya) • May 2014 - Djibouti Restaurant Bombing • April 2015 - Garissa University College Massacre (Kenya)
Ansar al-Sharia
An umbrella for Islamist militias in Libya and Tunisia, enforcing extremist Sharia governance. Known for attacking Western diplomats and local security forces. Played a major role in the 2012 Benghazi U.S. Consulate attack. The group has weakened significantly in recent years. Major Attacks: • 11 September 2012 - Benghazi Attack • December 2013 - Assassination of American Teacher
Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis (Sinai Province)
Egypt-based jihadist group that pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2014. Targets include Egyptian military, police, and Israel. Known for bombings and cross-border attacks. Renamed itself “Sinai Province” after joining ISIS. Major Attacks: • 2013-2014 Attacks Against Egyptian Government & Security Forces • 2011- Cross-Border and Anti-Israel Attacks
HAMAS
A Palestinian Sunni-Islamist political and militant group controlling Gaza. Known for rocket attacks and suicide bombings against Israel. It also functions as a governing authority in Gaza. Declared a terrorist organization by several Western countries. Major Attacks: • Suicide Bombings (1990s – Early 2000s) • Gaza War / Operation Cast Lead (Dec 2008 – Jan 2009) • November 2012 Conflict (Operation Pillar of Defense)
Hizballah
A Shiite Islamist militant and political group based in Lebanon, backed by Iran. Conducts attacks on Israeli and Western targets and supports the Assad regime in Syria. Designated a terrorist group by the U.S. and others. Blamed for the 1983 U.S. embassy bombing in Beirut. Major Attacks: • April 1983 - U.S. Embassy Bombing, Beirut • July 2012 - Burgas Bus Bombing, Bulgaria • 2013-Present Intervention in Syrian Civil War
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS)
A global jihadist group known for extreme brutality and mass killings. Declared a caliphate in 2014 across Iraq and Syria. Conducted major attacks worldwide including in Paris, Sri Lanka, and Brussels. Perpetrated genocide against Yazidis and widespread enslavement. Major Attacks: • June 2014 - Capture of Mosul, Iraq • August 2014 - Genocide Against Yazidis (Sinjar, Iraq) • April 2019 - Easter Bombings in Sri Lanka
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
Pakistan-based group primarily targeting India, especially in Kashmir. Founded by Masood Azhar, it is linked to several major attacks including Pulwama in 2019. Also implicated in the Red Mosque Siege and attacks on foreign targets. Strongly opposed by India and labeled a terror group internationally. Major Attacks: • 2007 – Red Mosque Siege (Islamabad, Pakistan) • March 2009 – Attack on Sri Lankan Cricket Team • February 2019 – Pulwama Attack
Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT)
A Pakistan-based Islamist militant group aiming to annex Kashmir into Pakistan via jihad. Co-founded by Hafiz Saeed, with Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi as its operational head. Responsible for the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks and other high-casualty bombings in India. It is banned internationally but continues to operate under various fronts. Major Attacks : • 26/11 Mumbai Attacks (26-29 November 2008) • 11 July 2006 Mumbai Train Bombings • German Bakery Bombing (13 February 2010)