10 Biggest Terrorist Groups in the World

Would you like to know more about the ten biggest terrorist groups in the world? You have probably heard their names mentioned with frequency in the news, as their violent acts never go unnoticed. Some terrorist organizations have been around for decades, while others are rather new. However, they all have one thing in common: their preference for violence and their radical views. In some regions, these groups seek to overthrow governments; in others, they simply spread fear, while there are also those who make financial gains or territorial conquest their focus of attention.

In order to determine which are the biggest terrorist groups in the world, we have turned to the U.S. Department of State, and checked which organizations have been more active, have the largest number of members, or the most amount of money. After all, some groups can do more damage with hard cash than others with weapons.

If you have read one of our previous lists on the 10 most dangerous places in the world, you won’t be surprised to learn that some of the biggest terrorist groups in the world roam the streets of these regions. The absence of government presence and thus, of the rule of law, make certain countries an ideal breeding place for terrorism. Training grounds can be established, and violence utilized without fearing the consequences. Yet the most important aspect is usually one of monetary nature, and as criminal activities are the bread and butter of terrorist groups, lawless areas are a great way to build up an entire organization without encountering too much resistance.

Some of the biggest terrorist groups in the world however, are quite different from the common stereotype. Born from nationalist movements, guerrilla fighters initially involved in struggles for independence sometimes resort to acts of terrorism, only to follow that path of violence with no return. Whatever the motivation behind their actions, terrorist groups have been increasingly widespread and dangerous, and the following ten stand out as the largest of their kind.

10. Boko Haram

This Nigerian terrorist organization not only advocates the overthrow of their government, but also seeks to turn Nigeria into an Islamist country. Boko Haram recently made headlines following the bombing of the U.N. Headquarters, and the abduction of 200 school girls.

The countdown of the biggest terrorist groups in the world continues on the next page with a branch of Al-Qaeda.