2019 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights

2019 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 01 Jan Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Attack: Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan gunmen launched an attack on a security base in the Loralai region of Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of four security guards and four terrorists, including a suicide bomber, with two guards injured.
- 04 Jan U.S. eliminates USS Cole bombing suspect: U.S. forces conducted an operation that resulted in the death of Jamal al-Badawi, a key suspect in the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole. source: cnbc.com
- 15 Jan Terrorist Suspects Arrested in Catalonia: Catalan Regional Police conducted a significant counter-terrorism operation, arresting 17 suspected terrorists in Barcelona and Igualada who were allegedly preparing to launch an attack.
- 16 Jan Manbij bombing: On January 16, 2019, a suicide bombing in the Syrian city of Manbij killed at least 19 people, including four U.S. service members. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State, marking one of the deadliest assaults on U.S. forces in Syria at that time. source: cnn.com
- 17 Jan Bogotá Police Academy suicide car bombing: On January 17, 2019, a suicide car bombing occurred at the General Santander National Police Academy in Bogotá, Colombia. The attack resulted in 22 fatalities, including the perpetrator, and 68 injuries. The National Liberation Army (ELN) claimed responsibility, justifying the attack as a response to government bombings during a unilateral ceasefire. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 18 Jan Myanmar Military Conflict in Rakhine State: The Myanmar military announced the killing of 13 Arakan Army fighters during an eight-day series of armed clashes in Rakhine State from January 5th to 13. In the same press conference, the Arakan Army was newly classified as a terrorist organization, escalating tensions in the region.
- 23 Jan Suspected ISIS Supporters Arrested: Three Michigan residents are arrested at Gerald R. Ford International Airport on suspicion of conspiring to support the Islamic State, highlighting ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
- 26 Jan Manbij bombing in Syria: On January 26, 2019, a suicide bombing in the Syrian city of Manbij killed at least 16 people, including four U.S. service members. The attack targeted a restaurant frequented by U.S. and coalition forces, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in northern Syria. The bombing was claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS), which had been largely defeated in the region but continued to carry out attacks. source: cnbc.com
- 27 Jan 2019 Jolo Cathedral Bombings: On January 27, 2019, twin bombings occurred at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu, Philippines, during Sunday Mass. The explosions resulted in at least 20 fatalities and over 100 injuries. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, marking it as the deadliest in the region in years. The incident prompted widespread condemnation and heightened security measures in the area. source: aljazeera.com
- 28 Jan Boko Haram Attack on Rann: A devastating terrorist attack by Boko Haram militants resulted in the killing of 60 people in Rann, northeastern Nigeria. The assault highlights the ongoing insurgency and humanitarian crisis in the region.
- 29 Jan 2019 Loralai Attack: On January 29, 2019, a suicide bombing occurred in Loralai, Balochistan, Pakistan, targeting a police training center. The attack resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region. source: aljazeera.com
- 02 Feb Al-Shabaab Suicide Car Bombing in Somalia: A suicide car bombing targeting an African Union Mission base resulted in two fatalities and at least five injuries. The terrorist group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.
- 04 Feb 2019 Mogadishu Mall bombing: On February 4, 2019, a suicide bombing occurred at the Dayah Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, resulting in at least 28 deaths and numerous injuries. The attack was claimed by the militant group Al-Shabaab, which has a history of targeting government and civilian sites in the region. source: aljazeera.com
- 05 Feb Burkinabe Military Operation Against Militants: A Burkinabe military operation successfully neutralized 146 jihadists in a significant counter-terrorism effort, following previous attacks by Al-Qaeda-linked militants that had killed 14 others.
- 14 Feb Pulwama Terror Attack in Kashmir: A devastating terrorist attack occurred in Lethpora, Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, where a suicide bomber targeted a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy, killing 40 security personnel and the bomber himself, while injuring 35 others. The Islamic terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for this deadly assault. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 18 Feb Terrorist Bombing in Cairo: A bombing attack in Cairo, Egypt, resulted in the deaths of three police officers and the suicide bomber, with two additional people injured.
- 19 Feb Insurgency in Egypt: military raids in Sinai Peninsula: The Egyptian military conducted raids in the Sinai Peninsula targeting insurgent groups. These operations aimed to combat terrorism and restore security in the region. source: reuters.com
- 24 Feb Biman Bangladesh Airlines Hijacking Attempt: Bangladeshi special forces successfully neutralized an armed hijacker attempting to take control of a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Dubai. All 148 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, demonstrating effective counter-terrorism response.
- 25 Feb US Airstrike Targets Al-Shabaab in Somalia: United States Africa Command reports neutralizing 35 al-Shabaab militants in a strategic airstrike in Somalia's central Hiran region, continuing ongoing military interventions against terrorist groups.
- 26 Feb Indian Air Force strikes Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot: On February 26, 2019, the Indian Air Force conducted a preemptive airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan, in retaliation for the Pulwama attack that killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel. The operation, codenamed "Operation Bandar," involved Mirage 2000 aircraft dropping bombs on the camp. India claimed to have killed a large number of militants, but satellite imagery suggested minimal damage. The airstrike marked the first time since 1971 that Indian aircraft crossed the Line of Control into Pakistan. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Feb Mogadishu Bombings: On February 28, 2019, three coordinated bomb attacks struck Mogadishu, Somalia, resulting in 29 fatalities. The city was under siege from the attacks until March 1, causing significant loss of life and disruption to the local population.
- 15 Mar Christchurch mosque shootings: On March 15, 2019, two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, were attacked during Friday prayers, resulting in 51 fatalities and numerous injuries. The incident was labeled as a terrorist attack, with the perpetrator motivated by extremist ideologies. This event sparked global discussions on gun control and hate crimes. source: bbc.com
- 18 Mar 2019 Utrecht shooting: On March 18, 2019, a gunman opened fire on a tram in Utrecht, Netherlands, killing four people and injuring six others. The suspect, Gökmen Tanis, a 37-year-old Dutch citizen of Turkish descent, was arrested later that day. Authorities initially considered the attack a possible terrorist act, raising the threat level in the province to its highest point. The motive was later determined to be personal, related to a family dispute. source: dw.com
- 23 Mar Terrorist Attack in Mogadishu: Al-Shabaab militants attacked a government building in Mogadishu, Somalia, detonating a bomb that resulted in at least five fatalities, demonstrating the continued security challenges in the region.
- 09 Apr Suicide Bombing in Sheikh Zuweid, Egypt: A fourteen-year-old suicide bomber attacked a market in Sheikh Zuweid, Egypt, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and injuring 27 others, highlighting the ongoing Sinai insurgency and the tragic use of child soldiers.
- 12 Apr 2019 Quetta bombing: A bombing in Quetta, Pakistan, targeted a police truck, resulting in multiple casualties. The attack was attributed to militant groups operating in the region, highlighting ongoing security challenges. source: bbc.com
- 17 Apr Terrorist Plot Foiled in Spain: Moroccan authorities arrest a jihadist who was planning to attack Seville during Holy Week processions, preventing a potential terrorist incident.
- 20 Apr Attack on Kabul Ministry of Communications: On April 20, 2019, a suicide bombing targeted the Ministry of Communications in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in at least 10 deaths and numerous injuries. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State, marking a significant escalation in violence in the capital. source: aljazeera.com
- 23 Apr 2019 Sri Lanka Easter Bombings: On April 23, 2019, the Sri Lankan government confirmed that the series of bombings on April 21, 2019, were carried out by the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), a local Islamist extremist group. The attacks targeted churches and luxury hotels, resulting in at least 290 deaths and over 500 injuries. The Islamic State (IS) group later claimed responsibility for the attacks. source: time.com
- 28 Apr Terrorist Attack in Burkina Faso Church: A devastating terrorist attack occurred in the Soum Province of Burkina Faso, where armed militants stormed a church, resulting in the tragic deaths of six people, including the pastor, his two sons, and three worshippers.
- 29 Apr ISIS Leader Propaganda Video: A propaganda video featuring Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was released, referencing the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings. This marked his first video appearance since July 2014, indicating he was still alive and active.
- 30 Apr ISIS Releases Video of Leader: The terrorist organization ISIS released a rare video featuring its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, potentially signaling ongoing organizational activities.
- 08 May 2019 Lahore Bombing: A devastating terrorist attack near the historic Data Darbar Sufi shrine in Lahore, Pakistan, resulted in at least 11 fatalities, with half of the victims being police officers, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
- 10 May French Naval Commandos Rescue Hostages in Burkina Faso: During the ongoing Maghreb Insurgency, French naval commandos conducted a high-risk rescue operation in northern Burkina Faso, freeing four hostages. The operation resulted in the tragic loss of two French commandos. The rescued individuals included two French citizens kidnapped in Benin on May 1st, an American woman, and a South Korean woman.
- 12 May Terrorist Attack in Burkina Faso: During the ongoing Maghreb Insurgency, gunmen attacked a Catholic church during mass in Dablo, Burkina Faso, setting the church on fire and killing six people.
- 24 May Lyon Bomb Attack: A bomb containing bolts caused multiple injuries in Lyon, France, in a terrorist-style attack that raised concerns about public safety and potential extremist activities.
- 26 May Kathmandu Bombings: Three coordinated explosions in Kathmandu, Nepal, resulted in four fatalities and seven injuries. Local police suspected involvement of a Maoist splinter organization, indicating ongoing political tensions in the region.
- 27 May Lyon Bombing Investigation: Four French police officers were arrested in connection with a bombing in Lyon's historic center that injured 13 people. The attack, which was deemed ineffective by local authorities, remains unclaimed by any group.
- 31 May Taliban suicide car bombing in Kabul: On May 31, 2019, a Taliban suicide bomber targeted a U.S. convoy in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of four Afghan civilians and injuries to three others. Four U.S. service members sustained minor injuries. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. source: longwarjournal.org
- 04 Jun Darwin Mass Shooting: A tragic mass shooting in Darwin, Australia's capital, resulted in four fatalities and one injury across five locations. The 45-year-old suspect, on parole since January, was arrested. Authorities confirmed the incident was not terrorism-related.
- 07 Jun Terrorism Prevention in New York: U.S. authorities arrested Ashiqul Alam, who was allegedly planning a terrorist attack on Times Square using grenades, guns, and a suicide vest, preventing a potential major security threat.
- 13 Jun Suicide Bombing in Jalalabad, Afghanistan: A tragic suicide bombing in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, resulted in 11 fatalities and 13 injuries, underscoring the ongoing security challenges in the region.
- 17 Jun Boko Haram terrorist attack in Nigeria: On June 17, 2019, Boko Haram militants launched a deadly attack in northeastern Nigeria, resulting in multiple casualties. The assault targeted a military base, highlighting the ongoing security challenges posed by the extremist group in the region. source: aljazeera.com
- 19 Jun House Democrats Vote to Repeal Military Force Authorization: The House Democrats voted to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists, a significant document that historically authorized military interventions.
- 21 Jun Suicide bombing in Baghdad: On June 21, 2019, a suicide bomber detonated explosives in a market in Baghdad, Iraq, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more. The attack targeted civilians and was claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS). It underscored the ongoing security challenges in Iraq despite the defeat of ISIS's territorial caliphate. source: cnbc.com
- 23 Jun Boko Haram Ambush in Chad: In a violent confrontation, twenty-six Boko Haram terrorists were killed and eleven Chadian soldiers were wounded during an ambush. The soldiers had successfully reclaimed cattle previously stolen by the militants.
- 25 Jun ISIL Attack in Sinai, Egypt: ISIL militants conducted a coordinated attack on checkpoints and an assembly center in Arish, Egypt, resulting in the deaths of seven police officers, one civilian, and four militants. The incident underscores the persistent terrorist threat in the Sinai Peninsula.
- 26 Jun Terrorist Attack on Balochistan Police Housing Complex: A coordinated terrorist attack by three suicide bombers targeted a police housing complex in Balochistan, Pakistan. Security guards neutralized one attacker, while the other two entered the complex and self-immolated, killing a senior police officer and injuring five others. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.
- 27 Jun 2019 Tunis Bombings: Two suicide bombers conducted coordinated attacks in Tunis, killing one police officer and injuring nine others in a terrorist incident.
- 28 Jun 2019 Indanan Bombings in Sulu, Philippines: Two suicide bombers detonated explosives in Sulu, Philippines, killing four soldiers and two civilians. The Islamic State (ISIL) claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack.
- 05 Jul 2019 Reyhanli Car Bombing: A car bomb exploded in the Turkish city of Reyhanli, resulting in the deaths of three Syrian citizens. The incident highlights ongoing regional tensions and security challenges.
- 07 Jul 2019 Ghazni Bombing: A devastating suicide bombing carried out by the Taliban in Ghazni, Afghanistan, resulted in 14 fatalities and nearly 200 injuries, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in the region.
- 11 Jul Car Bomb Attacks in Syria: Two separate car bomb explosions occurred in Syria: one in Afrin killed 11 people and injured over 30, while another near a church in Qamishli injured 11. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Qamishli attack, demonstrating ongoing terrorist activities in the region.
- 12 Jul Asasey Hotel Attack in Kismayo, Somalia: A devastating terrorist attack occurred at the Asasey Hotel in Kismayo, Somalia, involving a car bombing and subsequent gun assault. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 people, including two journalists and nine foreign nationals, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
- 18 Jul Kandahar Police Headquarters Bombing: A devastating terrorist attack in Afghanistan involved two car bombs exploding outside the Kandahar police headquarters. The attack resulted in twelve fatalities and over 80 people injured, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
- 24 Jul Terrorist Attack in Mogadishu: A devastating suicide bombing targets the office of Mogadishu's mayor Abdirahman Abdi Osman, killing six government officials and critically injuring the mayor, underscoring ongoing security challenges in Somalia.
- 28 Jul Suicide bombing in Kabul targets government building: On July 28, 2019, a suicide bombing occurred in Kabul, Afghanistan, targeting a government building. The attack resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, with the exact number varying across reports. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which was part of a series of assaults aimed at destabilizing the Afghan government. source: aljazeera.com
- 30 Jul Bomb Explosion in Quetta, Pakistan: A terrorist bomb explosion near Quetta, Pakistan resulted in four fatalities and over 20 injuries, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
- 31 Jul Hamza bin Laden reportedly killed: Hamza bin Laden, the son of Osama bin Laden, was reported killed in a U.S. operation in July 2019. His death marked a significant moment in the ongoing fight against terrorism and was seen as a blow to al-Qaeda's leadership. source: reuters.com
- 02 Aug Bangkok Bombings During Regional Security Summit: Multiple bomb blasts occurred in Bangkok, Thailand, coinciding with a regional security summit attended by United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The coordinated attacks resulted in at least four people being injured, raising concerns about regional security and terrorism.
- 07 Aug FBI investigates Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting as domestic terrorism: The FBI opened a domestic terrorism investigation into the July 28, 2019, shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California, after uncovering evidence that the 19-year-old shooter was influenced by violent ideologies. source: cbsnews.com
- 10 Aug Bærum mosque shooting: On August 10, 2019, Philip Manshaus, a 21-year-old Norwegian man, murdered his 17-year-old adopted sister, Johanne Ihle-Hansen, at their home in Bærum, Norway. He then attempted to attack the Al-Noor Islamic Centre but was subdued by worshippers. Manshaus was later convicted of murder and committing a terrorist attack. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 17 Aug Deadly wedding bombing in Kabul: A suicide bombing at a wedding in Kabul, Afghanistan, killed at least 63 people and injured over 180, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the city in recent years. source: bbc.com
- 12 Sep PKK Roadside Attack in Diyarbakir Province: A roadside bombing by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) resulted in seven civilian casualties and ten injuries in Kulp, Diyarbakir Province, Turkey. The attack highlights ongoing tensions in the region and the continued militant activities of the PKK.
- 17 Sep Taliban suicide bombings in Afghanistan: On September 17, 2019, the Taliban carried out multiple suicide bombings in Afghanistan, targeting security forces and civilians, resulting in numerous casualties. source: aljazeera.com
- 19 Sep Taliban suicide truck bombing at hospital in Afghanistan: On September 19, 2019, the Taliban carried out a suicide truck bombing at a hospital in Afghanistan, resulting in numerous casualties. source: aljazeera.com
- 20 Sep Karbala Bombing Incident: A tragic bombing occurred on a minibus at a security checkpoint near Karbala, Iraq, resulting in the deaths of 12 civilians.
- 27 Sep US Airstrike in Libya Targets ISIL Militants: The United States Africa Command conducted an airstrike in southwest Libya, neutralizing at least 17 ISIL militants as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
- 11 Oct Terrorist Attack in Burkina Faso Mosque: Gunmen launched a deadly attack on a mosque in northern Burkina Faso, killing 16 people during prayers. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges and religious violence in the Sahel region.
- 28 Oct Pobé Mengao Terrorist Attack: In a brutal incident in the village of Pobé Mengao, Burkina Faso, armed gunmen killed 16 civilians who refused to assist them in procuring ammunition, demonstrating the escalating violence in the region.
- 01 Nov Mass Shooting in Mali: A tragic terrorist attack occurred in the Ménaka Region of Mali, where unidentified gunmen killed 53 soldiers and a civilian, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region.
- 02 Nov Tragic school children bombing in Afghanistan: A bombing at a school in Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of several children. The attack was part of ongoing violence in the region, affecting educational institutions. source: aljazeera.com
- 06 Nov Terrorist Attack at Tajikistan-Uzbekistan Border: A violent incident occurred at the border checkpoint between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, where twenty armed gunmen launched an attack, resulting in the deaths of one border guard and one policeman. The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in the region.
- 26 Nov Terrorism prevention in the Netherlands: On November 26, 2019, the Netherlands implemented new measures aimed at preventing terrorism, including increased surveillance and intelligence sharing among European countries. source: bbc.com
- 27 Nov Deadly Roadside Bombing in Kunduz Province: A roadside bomb in Afghanistan's Kunduz Province resulted in a tragic civilian casualty, killing 15 people and injuring two others, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.
- 30 Nov London Bridge Terror Attack Suspect's Prior Imprisonment: The London Bridge attacker, who had been previously imprisoned on terrorist charges, was involved in a significant security incident that raised concerns about the rehabilitation and monitoring of convicted terrorists.
- 11 Dec Deadly Militant Attack in Niger: A devastating terrorist attack occurred in Ates, Niger, where militants targeted an army base, resulting in at least 71 military personnel fatalities. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the assault, highlighting ongoing regional security challenges.
- 12 Dec Suicide bombing in Iraq: A suicide bombing targeted a security checkpoint in Baghdad, Iraq, resulting in multiple casualties. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State, marking a resurgence of the group's activities in the region. source: reuters.com
- 18 Dec Police Officers Killed in Pakistan: On December 18, 2019, a terrorist attack in Pakistan resulted in the deaths of several police officers, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region. source: dawn.com
- 21 Dec French Military Operation Against Militants in Mali: During a visit to West Africa, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a significant military operation in central Mali, where French forces successfully neutralized 33 Islamist militants. This operation underscored France's ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region.
- 24 Dec Deadly Jihadist Attack in Burkina Faso: A severe terrorist attack occurred in Arbinda, Soum Province, Burkina Faso, where jihadist militants stormed the town and its military base. The assault resulted in thirty-five civilian casualties, six injuries, seven soldiers killed, and eighty militants neutralized, highlighting the ongoing Maghreb insurgency's intensity.
What happened in 2019?
Discover what the world looked like in 2019: