2018 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights
2018 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 03 Jan Boko Haram Mosque Attack in Nigeria: A suicide bomber attacked a mosque in Gamboru, Nigeria, resulting in the tragic death of 11 people, further demonstrating the ongoing terrorist threat in the region.
- 04 Jan Suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan: On January 4, 2018, a suicide bombing occurred in Kabul, Afghanistan. The attack targeted a government building, resulting in multiple casualties. The bombing was part of a series of attacks in the region, contributing to the ongoing security challenges faced by Afghanistan. source: dw.com
- 15 Jan Baghdad Double Suicide Bombing: A devastating terrorist attack in Baghdad involves a double suicide bombing that injures more than 90 people, further highlighting the ongoing insurgency and security challenges in Iraq.
- 16 Jan Kosovo Serb Politician Oliver Ivanovic Assassinated: Oliver Ivanovic, a prominent Kosovo Serb politician, was killed in a drive-by shooting outside his office in North Mitrovica. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic characterized the incident as a terrorist act.
- 19 Jan US Shifts National Defense Strategy: US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis unveiled a groundbreaking national defense strategy, marking a strategic pivot from counterterrorism to great power competition, reflecting evolving geopolitical dynamics.
- 22 Jan Southern Thailand Motorcycle Bombing: A devastating motorcycle bomb attack in Yala Province, Thailand, resulted in at least three fatalities and 22 injuries at a local market, highlighting ongoing insurgency tensions in the region.
- 24 Jan U.S. Coalition Air Strikes Against ISIL: The U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIL claimed to have killed 150 militants during targeted air strikes on a headquarters in the Deir-ez-Zor Governorate of Syria, demonstrating ongoing military operations against the terrorist organization.
- 27 Jan Kabul ambulance bombing kills over 100: A suicide bombing targeting an ambulance in Kabul, Afghanistan, killed at least 103 people and injured over 200, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the city in years. source: bbc.com
- 28 Jan Turkish Military Operation Damages Ancient Temple: During the Turkish military operation in Afrin, airstrikes, shelling, and bombing severely damaged the historic Syro-Hittite Ain Dara Temple in Syria's Afrin district. The Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums urgently called on the international community to pressure Turkey to stop targeting cultural and archaeological sites.
- 15 Feb Arms Depot Explosion in Syria: A bombing at an arms depot in Tabiyet Jazira, located in Deir ez-Zor, Syria, resulted in the deaths of at least 23 people, further demonstrating the ongoing volatility in the region.
- 21 Feb Lashio Bank Bombing in Myanmar: A devastating bombing at a bank in Lashio, Shan State, northern Myanmar, resulted in two fatalities and 22 injuries, revealing ongoing regional instability.
- 22 Feb Grenade Attack on U.S. Embassy in Podgorica: On February 22, 2018, an unidentified man attempted a terrorist attack by throwing a grenade at the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica, Montenegro. The attacker was killed instantly by a second explosion at the scene, and no other individuals were injured during the incident. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 27 Feb Hazardous Substance Incident at U.S. Military Base: Eleven people were hospitalized after a letter containing an unknown substance was opened at a U.S. military base in Arlington, Virginia, triggering a potential terrorism investigation.
- 02 Mar 2018 Ouagadougou terrorist attacks: On March 2, 2018, a series of terrorist attacks occurred in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. The attacks targeted the French embassy and the army headquarters, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The incidents were attributed to Islamist militants, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region of Africa. source: aljazeera.com
- 18 Mar Austin Serial Bombing: A serial bomber terrorized Austin, Texas, with four bomb incidents resulting in two deaths and five injuries, creating widespread public fear and a complex law enforcement investigation.
- 19 Mar Austin serial bombings lead police to suspect serial bomber: Between March 2 and March 21, 2018, a series of five package bombings occurred in Austin, Texas, resulting in two fatalities and five injuries. The perpetrator, Mark Anthony Conditt, was identified and died by suicide on March 21 during a police confrontation. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Mar Austin serial bomber dies in police confrontation: On March 21, 2018, Mark Anthony Conditt, the suspect in the Austin serial bombings, died by suicide during a police confrontation in Round Rock, Texas. He detonated an explosive device inside his vehicle as officers approached. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Mar Terrorism in Britain: Neo-Nazi Group Members Charged: Six alleged members from the banned neo-Nazi group National Action appeared before a court. One person was accused of plotting to murder MP Rosie Cooper, while another was charged with inciting death.
- 03 Apr US designates Pakistani groups as terrorist organizations: On April 3, 2018, the United States officially designated several Pakistani groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, as terrorist organizations. The designation aimed to increase pressure on Pakistan to take action against these groups, which have been linked to attacks in India and other countries. source: axios.com
- 07 Apr India Terror Alert: Indian authorities issued a terror alert for West Coast fishing vessels, resorts, and barges. A fishing vessel was reportedly seized by Pakistan in connection with a potential terrorist plot.
- 13 Apr Suspected ISIS terrorists arrested in Germany: On April 13, 2018, German authorities arrested several individuals suspected of planning terrorist attacks on behalf of ISIS, leading to increased security measures. source: bbc.com
- 21 Apr Kabul Voter Registration Center Bombing: On April 21, 2018, a suicide bombing targeted a voter registration center in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in numerous casualties. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS) and was part of a series of assaults aimed at disrupting the electoral process in the country. source: aljazeera.com
- 22 Apr Kabul Suicide Bombing: On April 22, 2018, a suicide bombing targeted a security checkpoint in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The attack was part of a series of assaults aimed at destabilizing the region and was claimed by the Taliban. source: aljazeera.com
- 23 Apr Toronto Van Attack: On April 23, 2018, a van attack occurred in Toronto, Canada, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The incident was investigated as a possible act of terrorism, and the suspect was apprehended. source: cbc.ca
- 25 Apr International Counterterrorism Conference: Paris hosted approximately 500 experts from over 70 countries for a two-day conference focused on counterterrorism strategies, with a specific emphasis on reducing funding to terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIL.
- 30 Apr Kabul suicide bombings: A series of suicide bombings in Kabul resulted in numerous casualties, targeting a gathering of Afghan officials. The attacks underscored the ongoing security challenges faced by the Afghan government amid rising violence. source: reuters.com
- 01 May Mosque bombing in Mubi, Nigeria: On May 1, 2018, a bombing at a mosque in Mubi, Nigeria, resulted in multiple casualties. The attack was attributed to Boko Haram, a militant group known for targeting civilians and places of worship. This incident raised concerns about ongoing violence and insecurity in the region. source: bbc.com
- 10 May ISIL Leaders Captured: In a joint operation, US and Iraqi forces successfully captured five top ISIL (Islamic State) leaders, dealing a significant blow to the terrorist organization.
- 12 May Paris Knife Attack: A terrorist attack occurred in Paris, France, where a man killed one person and injured several others before being fatally shot by police. The incident highlighted ongoing urban security challenges in the French capital. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 13 May Surabaya church bombings: On May 13, 2018, a series of suicide bombings targeted churches in Surabaya, Indonesia, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The attacks were attributed to a local extremist group and raised concerns about rising terrorism in the region. source: bbc.com
- 14 May ISIL claims responsibility for Surabaya bombings: The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for the suicide bombings in Surabaya, Indonesia, on May 13 and 14, 2018. The attacks targeted three churches and the Surabaya police headquarters, resulting in at least 28 deaths, including 13 attackers, and 57 injuries. ISIL's Amaq News Agency described the bombings as 'martyrdom' operations. source: aljazeera.com
- 17 May Denmark Withdraws Special Forces from Iraq: Denmark announced a partial withdrawal of its special forces in Iraq following the territorial defeat of the Islamic State (ISIL), marking a significant milestone in the international military intervention against the terrorist organization.
- 24 May Mississauga Restaurant Bombing: A terrorist incident occurred in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, where an improvised explosive device injured 15 people in a restaurant. The suspects immediately fled the scene after detonating the device.
- 29 May 2018 Liege attack: On May 29, 2018, a gunman opened fire in Liege, Belgium, killing several people before being shot by police. The attack raised concerns about security and terrorism in Europe. source: bbc.com
- 06 Jun Terrorist Ambush Kills Four Peruvian Police Officers: In a tragic incident, four police officers were killed in a terrorist ambush when their vehicle was attacked with explosives along a highway in the Anco district of Peru, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
- 16 Jun Damboa Terrorist Attack: Two suicide bombers attacked Damboa in Borno state, Nigeria, resulting in at least 31 fatalities, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
- 17 Jun Boko Haram terrorist attack in Nigeria: On June 17, 2018, Boko Haram militants carried out a terrorist attack in Nigeria's northeastern Borno State. The attack targeted a military base, resulting in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians. This incident underscored the ongoing security challenges posed by the militant group in the region. source: bbc.com
- 23 Jun Addis Ababa Rally Bombing: A terrorist attack occurred during a rally in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmad. The explosion resulted in two confirmed deaths and 156 people injured, creating significant political tension.
- 25 Jun Ethiopia Rally Bombing Investigation: On June 25, 2018, Ethiopian authorities began investigating a bombing that occurred during a rally in Addis Ababa, which targeted Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The attack resulted in several injuries and raised concerns about political stability in the country. source: aljazeera.com
- 01 Jul Suicide Bombing Targets Sikh Community in Afghanistan: A devastating suicide bombing in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, targeted the Sikh community, killing at least 19 people and underscoring the ongoing sectarian violence in the region.
- 13 Jul Regional Anti-Terrorism Cooperation: Pakistan, Iran, and China agreed to joint efforts against the Islamic State group in Afghanistan, demonstrating a multilateral approach to combating terrorism and promoting regional peace and stability.
- 21 Jul Trader Joe's Hostage Situation in Los Angeles: A gunman killed one woman and took hostages at a Trader Joe's store in Los Angeles. The suspect, who had previously shot his grandmother and another woman, was eventually shot by police during the standoff.
- 22 Jul ISIL suicide bombing near Hamid Karzai Airport: On July 22, 2018, a suicide bombing occurred near Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. The attack targeted a convoy of Afghan security forces, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility for the attack, marking a significant escalation in violence in the region. source: reuters.com
- 25 Jul As-Suwayda attacks in Syria: Coordinated attacks by ISIS militants targeted the city of As-Suwayda in southern Syria, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. The assaults included bombings and shootings, leading to widespread panic and displacement among the local population. source: aljazeera.com
- 26 Jul Bombing at U.S. Embassy in China: A bomb exploded in front of the U.S. Embassy in China, resulting in the death of the assailant.
- 31 Jul 2018 Lamitan Bombing in Philippines: A devastating terrorist attack occurred in Lamitan, Basilan, Philippines, when an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated at an army checkpoint, resulting in 11 fatalities. The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in the region.
- 01 Aug US sanctions on Turkish officials: On August 1, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Turkey's Minister of Justice Abdulhamit Gul and Minister of Interior Suleyman Soylu. The sanctions targeted these officials for their roles in the arrest and detention of American pastor Andrew Brunson, who faced charges of terrorism and espionage. source: home.treasury.gov
- 15 Aug Afghanistan suicide bombing and Taliban attack: On August 15, 2018, a suicide bombing and subsequent Taliban attack occurred in Afghanistan, resulting in numerous casualties. The incident underscored the ongoing security challenges in the country. source: aljazeera.com
- 22 Aug Terrorism Arrest in Berlin: German police conducted a raid in Berlin, arresting a Russian Islamic extremist suspected of storing large quantities of TATP explosive and plotting a potential terrorist attack on a public location with the assistance of a French accomplice.
- 28 Aug Catholic Priest's Hostage Experience in Marawi: A Catholic priest held hostage for nearly four months by Muslim militants in Marawi shares his resilient belief in interreligious dialogue, despite experiencing traumatic events such as witnessing a fellow captive killed during an airstrike and being caught in crossfire.
- 31 Aug Assassination of Alexander Zakharchenko in Donetsk: On August 31, 2018, Alexander Zakharchenko, the leader of the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic in eastern Ukraine, was assassinated in a bombing in Donetsk. source: bbc.com
- 02 Sep Suicide Bombing in Mogadishu: A suicide bombing in Mogadishu, Somalia, on September 2, 2018, resulted in multiple casualties. The attack was attributed to militant groups operating in the region, further exacerbating the security situation in Somalia. source: bbc.com
- 10 Sep Mogadishu Car Bombing: A devastating car bomb attack in Mogadishu, Somalia, killed six people and wounded 16 others, further highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.
- 12 Sep Suicide bombing in Afghanistan: On September 12, 2018, a suicide bombing in Afghanistan resulted in numerous casualties. The attack targeted a gathering and highlighted ongoing security challenges in the region. source: reuters.com
- 21 Sep Terrorist Attack in Mozambique: Ansar al-Sunna militants launched a brutal attack on a northern Mozambique village, killing 12 villagers and injuring 14, highlighting the ongoing Islamic insurgency in the region.
- 26 Sep Ahvaz Military Parade Attack: ISIL claimed responsibility for the attack and threatened that more attacks would follow the initial assault, signaling continued terrorist activities in the region.
- 27 Sep Suicide Bombing in Mogadishu, Somalia: A suicide bomber attacked a government building in Mogadishu, causing the collapse of an adjacent school, resulting in three deaths and 14 injuries.
- 12 Oct US Air Strike in Somalia: A targeted US air strike in central Somalia eliminated approximately 60 al-Shabab militants, representing a significant counter-terrorism operation in the region. The strike demonstrated the ongoing US military engagement in combating terrorist organizations in the Horn of Africa.
- 13 Oct Baidoa, Somalia Terrorist Attacks: Two devastating explosions occurred in Baidoa, Somalia, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 30. The incident underscores the persistent terrorist threat and ongoing civil unrest in the region.
- 15 Oct Cologne station terrorist incident: On October 15, 2018, a terrorist attack occurred at the Cologne Central Station in Germany. The assailant, armed with a knife, injured several people before being apprehended by police. The incident raised concerns about security in public transportation hubs. source: dw.com
- 24 Oct Japanese Journalist Released in Syria: Junpei Yasuda, a Japanese journalist who was previously kidnapped in Syria by Al-Nusra Front, has been successfully released, marking a positive resolution to a dangerous hostage situation.
- 25 Oct Pipe bomb attacks targeting Democrats: On October 25, 2018, multiple pipe bombs were sent to prominent Democratic figures, including former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The incidents raised alarms about political violence and domestic terrorism in the United States. source: washingtonpost.com
- 26 Oct 2018 United States mail bombing attempt: On October 26, 2018, authorities arrested a suspect in connection with a series of mail bombs sent to critics of President Trump. The investigation revealed a pattern of targeting prominent Democrats and raised concerns about political rhetoric and safety. source: nytimes.com
- 31 Oct Terrorist Attack at FSB Building in Arkhangelsk: A 17-year-old local student detonated an explosive device inside the Federal Security Service (FSB) building in Arkhangelsk, killing himself and three FSB officers. The FSB, successor to the KGB, is Russia's primary state security agency.
- 06 Nov French Terrorism Prevention: French authorities arrested five men and one woman, identified as far-right radicals, who were allegedly plotting an attack against President Emmanuel Macron.
- 09 Nov Melbourne stabbing attack: On November 9, 2018, a man carried out a stabbing attack in Melbourne, Australia, resulting in one death and several injuries. The incident was classified as a terrorist act by authorities. source: theguardian.com
- 20 Nov Kabul Mawlid suicide bombing: A suicide bombing occurred in Kabul during Mawlid celebrations, targeting a gathering of religious leaders. The attack resulted in multiple casualties and highlighted ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan. source: aljazeera.com
- 23 Nov Karachi Chinese consulate attack: An attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi resulted in multiple casualties. The incident raised concerns about security for foreign nationals in Pakistan and the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region. source: bbc.com
- 06 Dec Car Bomb Explosion in Chabahar, Iran: A car bomb exploded near a Chabahar police station in Iran, resulting in two police officers killed and approximately 40 people injured. The Islamic militant group Ansar Al-Furqan claimed responsibility, with Iran accusing the perpetrators of being 'foreign-backed terrorists'.
- 17 Dec Murders of Scandinavian tourists in Morocco: Two Scandinavian tourists were murdered in Morocco, leading to heightened security concerns for tourists in the region. The incident was linked to extremist groups, prompting a crackdown on terrorism in the country. source: bbc.com
- 22 Dec Mogadishu Car Bombing: On December 22, 2018, a car bombing in Mogadishu, Somalia, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, with the Al-Shabaab militant group claiming responsibility. source: cnbc.com
- 28 Dec Terrorist bombing near Giza pyramids kills tourists: On December 28, 2018, a roadside bomb exploded near a bus carrying Vietnamese tourists close to the Giza pyramids in Egypt, killing at least four people and injuring several others. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS) and was the first major attack on tourists in Egypt in over a year. source: bbc.com
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