The Most Popular Terrorist Group, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the terrorist group you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:51
In the complex world of global security, understanding the influence and reach of different terrorist organizations can aid in awareness and preventative measures. By ranking these groups, individuals and professionals can gauge which organizations are perceived to be the most impactful, potentially guiding educational and policy efforts.
This ranked list serves as a dynamic measure of public perception and awareness regarding terrorist organizations. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a broader understanding, helping to highlight the groups that require more global attention and resources for combatting their activities.
What Is the Most Popular Terrorist Group?
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138votesKnown for the 9/11 attacks in the US and responsible for numerous terrorist attacks globally.Al-Qaeda is a global terrorist organization known for its extremist ideology and acts of violence. It was founded by Osama bin Laden in the late 1980s, with the goal of promoting radical Islamic beliefs and conducting jihad against 'enemies of Islam'. Al-Qaeda has been responsible for numerous high-profile attacks, including the September 11 attacks in 2001. The group operates through a decentralized network of affiliates and sympathizers, making it difficult to dismantle completely.
- Ideology: Extremist Islamic ideology
- Formation: Late 1980s
- Goal: Promote radical Islamic beliefs and conduct jihad
- Leadership: Decentralized network with a hierarchical structure
- Notable Attacks: September 11 attacks, bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania
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219votesKnown for its brutal attacks in Iraq and Syria, as well as for inspiring and coordinating multiple terrorist attacks worldwide.ISIS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or simply IS, is a militant extremist group that emerged in the early 2000s. It is recognized as a terrorist organization by numerous nations and has gained global infamy for its brutal tactics and territorial ambitions.
- Formed: 1999
- Primary Area of Operation: Iraq and Syria
- Ideology: Salafi jihadist
- Goals: Establishing a caliphate, imposing strict Islamic law, and overthrowing governments in the region
- Territorial Control: At its peak, ISIS controlled large areas in Iraq and Syria, including major cities like Mosul and Raqqa
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320votesAn extremist group in Afghanistan that has carried out numerous attacks and has been involved in the Afghan war for decades.The Taliban is an extremist Islamist militant group that originated in the early 1990s in Afghanistan. They gained prominence and control over large parts of the country from 1996 to 2001, enforcing a strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. The group fostered a safe haven for international terrorists, including Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda. After being ousted from power by the US-led invasion in 2001, the Taliban reemerged as an insurgent group and continues to wage an insurgency against the Afghan government and international forces.
- Ideology: Strict interpretation of Sunni Islam
- Leadership: Led by a Supreme Leader and a governing body called the Quetta Shura
- Territorial Control: Gained control over roughly 90% of Afghanistan during their reign from 1996 to 2001
- International Relations: Known for harboring international terrorist groups, such as Al-Qaeda
- Oppression of Women: Implemented harsh restrictions on women's rights and imposed a strict dress code
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422votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainBoko Haram
Mohammed YusufA Nigerian Islamist extremist group that has carried out numerous attacks, including kidnappings of schoolgirls, and seeks to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria.Boko Haram is an extremist Islamist terrorist group based in Nigeria. The name 'Boko Haram' translates to 'Western education is forbidden' in the Hausa language. The group was founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf, a Nigerian militant who sought to establish Sharia law in the country.- Year of founding: 2002
- Ideology: Salafi Jihadism
- Operational region: Primarily Nigeria, also active in neighboring countries
- Affiliated with: Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)
- Targeted activities: Terrorism, kidnappings, suicide bombings, attacks on civilians and military
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522votesA Palestinian nationalist and Islamist group that has been involved in conflicts with Israel and is designated as a terrorist organization by several countries.Hamas is an Islamic fundamentalist group operating primarily in the Palestinian territories. It was founded in 1987 during the first Intifada and is dedicated to the liberation of Palestine from Israeli occupation. Hamas is known for its militant tactics, including suicide bombings and rocket attacks, and is considered a terrorist organization by several countries.
- Formation: 1987
- Ideology: Islamic fundamentalism
- Goal: Liberation of Palestine from Israeli occupation
- Tactics: Militancy, suicide bombings, rocket attacks
- Status: Considered a terrorist organization by several countries
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612votesA Shiite Islamist group in Lebanon that is involved in regional conflicts and has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries.Hezbollah is a Lebanese militant and political organization established in the early 1980s.
- Ideology: Shiite Islamic fundamentalism
- Origins: Formed as a response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982
- Goals: Resistance against Israel, establishment of Islamic rule
- Armed Wing: Hezbollah's military arm is known as the Islamic Resistance
- Political Wing: Participates in the Lebanese government and has seats in the parliament
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710votes
Herrn · CC BY-SA 3.0PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party)
Abdullah ÖcalanA Kurdish nationalist and Marxist-Leninist group in Turkey that has been involved in armed conflict with the Turkish government.The PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) is a Marxist-Leninist and nationalist insurgent group founded in 1978. Initially established as a guerrilla organization, the PKK aims to establish an independent Kurdish state in the majority Kurdish regions of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. It has been involved in a protracted armed conflict with the Turkish state.- Ideology: Marxist-Leninist, Kurdish nationalism
- Formation: 1978
- Objectives: Establish an independent Kurdish state
- Territory: Primarily operates in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria
- Tactics: Guerrilla warfare, insurgency, terrorism
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87votesA Basque separatist group in Spain that has carried out numerous attacks in Spain and France.ETA (Basque Homeland and Freedom) was a separatist group that operated in Spain and France with the goal of establishing an independent Basque country. They used both political and violent means to achieve their objectives.
- Formation: 1959
- Ideology: Basque nationalism, separatism
- Objective: Establishment of an independent Basque country
- Tactics: Bombings, assassinations, kidnappings
- Targets: Spanish government, security forces, businesses
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99votes
Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS.) · Public domainFARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia)
Manuel Marulanda VélezA Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group in Colombia that has been involved in the Colombian conflict for decades.The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) was a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group and self-proclaimed revolutionary army in Colombia. It was established on May 27, 1964, by Manuel Marulanda Vélez, known as 'Tirofijo', with the primary goal of overthrowing the Colombian government and establishing a Communist regime.- Ideology: Marxism-Leninism, communism
- Alias: FARC-EP (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo)
- Structure: Centralized command structure, hierarchical organization
- Activities: Insurgency, guerrilla warfare, drug trafficking
- Geographical Area: Primarily active in rural areas of Colombia
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100votesA paramilitary group in Northern Ireland that has been involved in the Troubles, a conflict between nationalists and unionists.The IRA (Irish Republican Army) was a paramilitary organization that fought for the independence of Ireland from British rule. The IRA originated in the early 20th century and has gone through several iterations and splinter groups. It mainly operated in Northern Ireland and occasionally in other parts of the United Kingdom.
- Formation: The first incarnation of the IRA was established in 1919.
- Origins: The IRA emerged from the Irish War of Independence against British forces.
- Goals: The primary goal of the IRA was to end British rule and establish a fully independent Irish republic.
- Tactics: The IRA employed various tactics, including guerrilla warfare, bombings, assassinations, and smuggling.
- Political Wing: The IRA had a political wing known as Sinn Féin, which aimed to promote Irish nationalist interests through political means.
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular terrorist group
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Global reachThe extent to which a terrorist group is able to carry out attacks in different regions across the world.
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Frequency of attacksThe number of attacks carried out by the group over a certain period of time.
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Level of notorietyHow well-known the group is, both in the media and in the public eye.
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IdeologyThe extent to which the group's ideology motivates its members and resonates with its supporters.
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Size of membershipThe number of individuals who have pledged allegiance to the group or who actively participate in its operations.
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Financial resourcesThe amount of funding and resources available to the group to carry out its activities.
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Impact of attacksThe extent to which the attacks carried out by the group have had a significant impact on the targeted individuals or society as a whole.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular terrorist group. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Terrorist group is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1469 views
- 155 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Terrorist group once every 24 hours. The rank of each Terrorist group is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular terrorist group
Terrorism is a global issue that poses a threat to the safety and security of people all around the world. Over the years, several terrorist groups have emerged, each with their own ideologies, motives, and methods of operation. The most popular terrorist groups are those that have gained widespread recognition and notoriety due to their acts of violence and attacks on innocent civilians. The list of popular terrorist groups includes organizations like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, and the Taliban, among others. These groups have been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in recent history, and their actions have had a significant impact on global politics and security. Understanding the origins and motives of these groups is essential in developing effective strategies to combat terrorism and promote peace and security in the world.
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