Sahel Islamist attacks linked to al‑Qaida and IS projected to hit record levels in 2024

Islamist extremist violence in Africa’s Sahel region is projected to hit historic levels, according to new data compiled by conflict monitor ACLED. The surge follows a series of sweeping offensives by groups linked to al‑Qaida and the Islamic State, underscoring a sharp increase in attacks across the Sahel as the United States observes the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks that were carried out by al‑Qaida against Washington and New York.

The ACLED figures highlight a marked expansion of al‑Qaida‑affiliated networks in the Sahel, contrasting with the organization’s relative weakening in other parts of the world. The rise in incidents reflects intensified operations by militant factions in the region, prompting heightened security concerns for the affected states and drawing renewed international attention to the evolving threat landscape in Africa.