Al-Azhar Observatory: Stability in terror operations in Africa during June does not signal end of terror threat

The Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Terrorism and Extremism has monitored terrorist activity throughout East Africa in June 2024. The efforts of national, regional, and international bodies to combat terrorism in the region have resulted in five terrorist operations, claiming the lives of 16 individuals and injuring 8 others, with hundreds displaced.

The Al-Azhar Observatory emphasized that terrorism continues to pose a significant threat to security and stability across most African countries. Some nations have witnessed concerning developments in the sophistication of terrorist operations and tactics, underscoring ongoing challenges.

Despite similar numbers of terrorist incidents compared to May, June saw a 27.2% decrease in fatalities. May recorded 22 deaths and 5 injuries from terrorist operations.

This decline primarily reflects reduced terrorist violence by the Al-Shabaab movement in the region, driven by successful counterterrorism operations led by the Somali government and its allied forces.

According to statistics, Somalia led the region with three terrorist operations, accounting for 60% of total incidents, resulting in 13 fatalities. There were no reported injuries.

In Kenya, two fatalities occurred due to isolated attacks.

Ethiopia experienced one terrorist incident resulting in one fatality and 8 injuries, following a period of relative calm and stability.

Mozambique maintained a terrorism-free record in June, despite ongoing threats from ISIS in the Cabo Delgado province.

Efforts to combat terrorist organizations in East Africa led to 110 fatalities among terrorist elements in June, including prominent leaders, with one terrorist captured and four surrendering to Somali security forces and international coalition forces.

The Al-Azhar Observatory highlighted June as the must active month for terrorist elements, representing a 62.7% increase compared to May.

May recorded 41 terrorist fatalities, with 28 arrests and 6 surrenders.

Based on observations throughout the month, the Al-Azhar Observatory affirmed that while the Somali government has achieved relative successes in countering terrorism, factions of Al-Qaeda and ISIS remain clear threats to international and regional efforts.

Therefore, regional countries must coordinate efforts to contain these threats and prevent further terrorist operations, safeguarding ongoing initiatives for security and stability in East Africa.