A new report from the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) released in 2025 found that lone-wolf terrorist attacks were more common in the West than ever before. The report indicated that terrorism continues to spread across the globe, with the number of countries that recorded a terrorist attack increasing from 58 in 2023 to 66 in 2024. This marks a reversal of nearly a decade of improvement on the issue, according to the GTI. In the West, 93% of fatal attacks were carried out by lone wolf terrorists, who often radicalize through social media, gaming platforms, and encrypted messaging apps. The shift towards online radicalization has enabled potential terrorists to access extremist content and organize with minimal physical contact, with algorithmic radicalization on popular social media sites driving users toward more extreme content over time.
On the same day that the GTI report was released, U.S. authorities arrested a suspect who allegedly confessed to scouting the attack route in the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 service members. ISIS-K member Mohammad Sharifullah made his first federal court appearance in Virginia, facing charges of providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, resulting in death. Sharifullah was extradited to the U.S. to “face American justice,” according to FBI Director Kash Patel. President Donald Trump announced Sharifullah’s capture during his address to a joint Congress, stating that the top terrorist responsible for the atrocity had been apprehended.
The GTI report highlights the growing threat of terrorism in the West, with lone-wolf attacks becoming increasingly common. The report points to online radicalization as a key factor in this trend, with individuals without formal group affiliations having greater access to extremist content and the ability to organize with minimal physical contact. The use of social media, gaming platforms, and encrypted messaging apps has played a significant role in facilitating radicalization and enabling individuals to carry out attacks without direct affiliation to a larger terrorist organization. This shift towards online radicalization has made it easier for potential terrorists to access extremist content and become radicalized over time.
The case of Mohammad Sharifullah, who was extradited to the U.S. to face charges related to the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan, underscores the global nature of the terrorist threat. Sharifullah’s alleged involvement in scouting the attack route highlights the role that individuals can play in carrying out terrorist attacks, even without direct affiliation to a larger terrorist organization. The arrest of Sharifullah and his extradition to the U.S. for prosecution represents a significant step in holding individuals accountable for their role in terrorist activities and seeking justice for the victims of such attacks.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the importance of bringing individuals like Sharifullah to justice, stating that it was a step towards achieving justice for the 13 service members who lost their lives in the Abbey Gate bombing. The arrest of Sharifullah and his extradition to the U.S. demonstrate the commitment of U.S. authorities to holding those responsible for terrorist attacks accountable and seeking justice for the victims. The continued efforts to combat terrorism and prevent future attacks are crucial in addressing the evolving nature of the threat and protecting communities from the devastating impact of terrorism. The global cooperation and coordination in counterterrorism efforts are essential in addressing the complex challenges posed by lone-wolf attacks and online radicalization.
