The year 2025 has been witness to the definite brutal reminder of the global reach of extremist violence. In horrific attacks from Australia to South Asia and Africa, the vulnerability in public spaces was exposed, besides underlining the persistent challenge in combating terrorism.
These attacks underpin the human element of loss connected with radical ideologies, a reason for which the call for coordinated security is immediate and across borders.
1. Bondi Beach, Australia
On December 14, a tragic attack occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Hanukkah menorah-lighting ceremony. A father and his son opened fire with guns, killing 16 people, including one of the attackers and injuring more than 40.
Police officials described it as a targeted antisemitic hate crime. Later, authorities defused a suspected homemade bomb found in the perpetrators’ vehicle, underscoring that the attack had been planned.
2. Islamabad Suicide Bombing, Pakistan
A suicide bombing at the main gate of the District Judicial Complex in Islamabad on 11 November killed 12 people, including the bomber, and injured 36 others. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a faction of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, claimed responsibility for this attack, which was the deadliest to hit Pakistan’s capital in nearly a decade and showed that even urban centers are still vulnerable to militant attacks.
3. Delhi Red Fort Bomb Blast, India
A car bomb exploded near the historic Red Fort in Old Delhi on 10 November, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 20. The National Investigation Agency confirmed it as a terrorist act.
The blast targeted not just civilians, but also the cultural and historical landmarks of India, pointing to the strategic symbolism that extremists often exploit.
4. Komanda Massacre, DR Congo
On 27 July, the Allied Democratic Force-a group aligned to the Islamic State-attacked civilians in Komanda, Ituri province. At least 43 people were killed, including women and children who were taking part in a night vigil, while several others were injured. The massacre underlined the persistent instability and risks for isolated communities in conflict areas.
5. Pakistan – Attack on Mir Ali
On 28 June, a suicide vehicle bombing in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, targeted a convoy of the Pakistan Army. In all, 16 soldiers and the attacker were killed, and 29 others, including civilians, were injured.
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The Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, a Taliban faction, claimed responsibility, making it one of the deadliest single-day attacks on security forces in recent months.
6. Pahalgam Terror Attack, India
On April 22, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful valleys in Kashmir, Baisaran near Pahalgam, in Jammu and Kashmir, was targeted by a terrorist attack on tourists. The killings comprised 25 visitors and one local resident and nearly 20 people were injured.
It sent shockwaves within the local tourism sector and brought home the reality that even the most scenic and far-flung areas were not beyond the reach of militancy.
7. Khuzdar School Bus Bombing, Pakistan
In Khuzdar, Balochistan, a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a school bus, killing 11, including children, and injuring 53 others. The attack claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army targeted students, which only fuels the outrage of the public, shrouding in increased urgency questions of protection for such vulnerable civilians.
Disclaimer: Information is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly reported incidents without guaranteeing complete accuracy.
