Lone wolf attacks surge in the West as terrorism intensifies globally

The Rise of Lone-Wolf Terrorism in the West

In 2024, the world witnessed a disturbing trend as lone-wolf terrorist attacks became more frequent in Western countries, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report. Released in early 2025, the report revealed a concerning shift in the nature of terrorism, with the number of countries experiencing terrorist attacks increasing from 58 in 2023 to 66 in 2024. This upward trend reversed nearly a decade of progress in reducing terrorism-related incidents globally. The GTI highlighted that in the West, a staggering 93% of fatal terrorist attacks were carried out by lone wolves—individuals acting without formal ties to any terrorist group. These attackers often radicalized through online platforms, including social media, gaming sites, and encrypted messaging apps. The report emphasized that this shift toward online radicalization has enabled extremists to access dangerous content and organize attacks with minimal physical contact, making them harder to detect and disrupt.

The Shift Toward Online Radicalization

The GTI report shed light on how social media and other digital platforms have become breeding grounds for extremism. Algorithms on popular social media sites often push users toward progressively more extreme content, creating a pathway for radicalization. This digital environment has allowed individuals to embrace extremist ideologies without direct contact with terrorist groups. As a result, lone-wolf attackers are now responsible for the majority of terrorist incidents in Western countries. The report warned that this trend is likely to continue unless governments and tech companies take proactive measures to curb the spread of extremist content and disrupt online radicalization networks.

The Abbey Gate Bombing and the Capture of a Key Terrorist

The release of the GTI report coincided with a significant development in the case of the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan, which claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members. U.S. authorities announced the arrest and extradition of Mohammad Sharifullah, a member of ISIS-K, who allegedly confessed to scouting the attack route. Sharifullah, who was extradited to the U.S. to face charges, made his first appearance in federal court in Virginia, where he is accused of providing material support to a designated terrorist organization resulting in death. FBI Director Kash Patel described the extradition as a step toward justice for the victims, stating, "3 and 1/2 years later, justice for our 13." President Donald Trump also addressed the capture during a joint session of Congress, calling Sharifullah the "top terrorist responsible for that atrocity."

The Role of ISIS-K in Global Terrorism

The involvement of ISIS-K in the Abbey Gate bombing and other attacks highlights the enduring threat posed by the group, even as its territorial influence has waned. ISIS-K, a branch of the Islamic State operating in Afghanistan, has been responsible for several high-profile attacks in recent years. The group has demonstrated its ability to carry out sophisticated operations, including bombings and assassinations, often targeting civilians and military personnel. The capture of Sharifullah and his alleged involvement in the Abbey Gate attack underscore the group’s global reach and its ability to inspire and direct attacks from afar. The case also raises questions about the long-term stability of the region and the ability of international authorities to disrupt terrorist networks operating in Afghanistan.

The Challenges of Combating Lone-Wolf Terrorism

The rise of lone-wolf terrorism presents unique challenges for law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Unlike coordinated group attacks, which often involve communication and planning that can be intercepted, lone-wolf attackers typically operate independently, making them harder to detect. The GTI report noted that the radicalization process often occurs entirely online, with extremists consuming propaganda and guidance through encrypted channels. This makes it difficult for authorities to identify potential attackers before they strike. The report called for increased international cooperation, improved monitoring of online activity, and community engagement to counter radicalization at its roots.

The Global Implications of the GTI Report

The GTI’s findings have significant implications for global security. The increasing prevalence of lone-wolf attacks in the West, combined with the growing reach of groups like ISIS-K, suggests that terrorism remains a persistent and evolving threat. The report’s emphasis on online radicalization highlights the need for tech companies and governments to work together to combat extremist content and disrupt radicalization pipelines. At the same time, the arrest and extradition of individuals like Mohammad Sharifullah demonstrate the importance of international collaboration in bringing terrorists to justice. As the world grapples with these challenges, the GTI report serves as a stark reminder of the need for a multifaceted approach to counterterrorism—one that addresses both the physical and digital dimensions of the threat.