Terrorist Incidents with Highest Number of Casualties in January 2024
Author: Sami Msadek
January 2024 witnessed a series of devastating terrorist attacks across various countries, primarily affecting regions in Africa and the Middle East. These incidents, which resulted in significant loss of life and injuries, highlight the ongoing challenges of terrorism in multiple hotspots around the world. Below is a detailed account of the top 10 incidents, with each country’s location specified.
On January 3, 2024, in Iran, ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) carried out a devastating attack during the funeral anniversary of General Soleimani in the city of Kerman. The attack involved two suicide bombers who detonated their explosives amidst a large gathering, killing 84 people and wounding another 284. This high-profile attack, claimed by ISIS-K, underscored the group’s intent to destabilize Iran through targeted violence on symbolic occasions.
Nigeria experienced a series of brutal assaults throughout the month, primarily attributed to the Fulani Militants. On January 3, 2024, coordinated attacks occurred in the state of Kaduna. In Gefe village, 24 villagers were killed, while simultaneous attacks in Dokan Karji, Ungwan Sako, and Kunkurai villages resulted in a total of 17 deaths—seven in Dokan Karji, and five each in Ungwan Sako and Kunkurai. These coordinated assaults revealed the severe security challenges faced in Nigeria’s middle belt, where ethno-religious conflicts often exacerbate the violence.
Later in the month, on January 25, 2024, another attack by the Fulani Militants struck Nigeria, this time targeting the village of Kwahaslalek in Plateau State. The militants killed 30 villagers and injured another 100. This incident, though not claimed by any group, added to the escalating violence in the region, illustrating the persistent threat posed by militant groups in Nigeria.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), several deadly incidents took place throughout January. On January 7, 2024, in Mbusie Village, Mai-Ndombe Province, the Mobondo armed group targeted peasant farmers, killing 20 individuals. Later, on January 24, 2024, the March 23 Movement (M23) launched an attack in Mweso city, Masisi Territory, Nord-Kivu Province, clashing with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). The attack, involving small arms and mortars, resulted in the deaths of 19 civilians and injured 27 others. Although M23 did not officially claim responsibility, their involvement was evident, reflecting the ongoing insurgency in the eastern DRC.
In another series of violent events in the DRC, ISIS-DRC (formerly known as the Allied Democratic Forces) targeted the village of Babila-Bakaiko in Beni Territory, Nord-Kivu Province. Over four days from January 29 to 31, and continuing into early February, the group systematically attacked civilians, killing 23 people. Six civilians were killed on each of the first three days and five on February 1. These attacks highlighted the group’s continued presence and operational capabilities in the region, posing a significant threat to local communities.
On January 28, 2024, in Niger, unknown gunmen attacked the village of Moto Gatta in the Tillaberi region. The attackers were met with resistance from local self-defense militiamen, leading to a fierce gunfight that resulted in the deaths of 22 people, including both militiamen and villagers. The absence of any group claiming responsibility for this attack complicated the security situation in Niger, where various armed groups, including jihadist factions, operate.
In Iraq, on January 12, 2024, a significant clash occurred between Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants and Turkish troops in the Bashiqa Subdistrict, Al-Hamdaniya District, Ninawa Governorate. The PKK militants attempted to infiltrate the Zlikan military base, leading to a violent confrontation that resulted in the deaths of nine Turkish soldiers and 12 militants. The PKK claimed responsibility for the attack, which underscored the ongoing conflict between Turkish forces and Kurdish militants in the region.
Finally, on January 10, 2024, in Chad, the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) launched an attack on a military position in Wour, Tibesti. The ensuing clash left two soldiers and 15 perpetrators dead. This incident highlighted the ongoing instability in Chad, where various rebel groups continue to challenge the authority of the central government.
These incidents, spanning Iran, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Iraq, and Chad, reveal the widespread nature of terrorist violence in January 2024. The high number of civilian casualties and the systematic targeting of vulnerable communities underscore the persistent threat posed by these militant groups and the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address the root causes of such violence.
