Global Threat Monitor: March 2025 Report

Image by tprzem / Pixabay

​Overview This report outlines major insurgent, terrorist, and rebel group activities globally during March 2025, categorized by continent. Key developments include intensified operations by ISIS-K in Afghanistan, renewed Houthi offensives in the Red Sea region, and shifting dynamics in the Sahel amid ongoing junta-led campaigns and persistent jihadist threats.

​Africa

West Africa (Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso)

• Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa Province (ISWAP) increased raids in Borno and Yobe states. ISWAP claimed responsibility for ambushes on Nigerian military convoys near Maiduguri, killing over 30 soldiers.
• In Mali, jihadist factions linked to JNIM launched coordinated attacks on Malian forces near Mopti and Gao. ACLED reported over 100 conflict-related deaths in March.
• Burkina Faso saw intensified insurgent attacks in the Sahel and Nord regions, including IEDs targeting military patrols.

Sudan

• Fighting between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) escalated in Khartoum and Darfur. RSF gained territory near Nyala. Civilians remain trapped in the crossfire, with over 700 fatalities this month.

East Africa (Somalia)

• Al-Shabaab conducted complex assaults on Somali National Army (SNA) bases in Galgaduud and Lower Shabelle, killing dozens.
• U.S. airstrikes reportedly neutralized key Shabaab figures.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

• The M23 rebel group clashed with Congolese forces in North Kivu. Humanitarian conditions worsened, with thousands displaced.

Asia

Afghanistan

• ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) dramatically increased activity. Suicide bombings in Kabul and Jalalabad targeted Shi’a communities and Taliban checkpoints—estimated 200+ casualties in March alone.
• Taliban counterterrorism raids killed several alleged ISIS-K operatives.

Pakistan

• Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continued attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A major bombing in Dera Ismail Khan killed 15 security personnel.

Myanmar

• The Arakan Army and allied ethnic groups captured key towns in Rakhine State. Junta forces responded with airstrikes, causing civilian casualties.

India

• Security forces foiled multiple infiltration attempts across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir. Minor arms skirmishes persisted.

Middle East

Yemen

• The Houthis intensified missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea, targeting commercial and military vessels. U.S. and UK forces intercepted several projectiles.
• Ground clashes with pro-government forces continued in Marib and Taiz.

Syria/Iraq

• ISIS cells remained active in the Homs desert and Nineveh province. Sporadic attacks on Syrian and Iraqi forces were reported.
• The U.S.-led coalition conducted limited drone strikes on ISIS hideouts.

Iran

• No significant incidents were reported. However, increased IRGC deployments were observed near Kurdish regions.

Europe

• No large-scale terrorist attacks. However, arrests in Germany and France disrupted suspected jihadist cells allegedly linked to ISIS.
• Increased surveillance of far-right and separatist elements across Eastern Europe.

Latin America

Colombia

• The ELN continued skirmishes with the Colombian military in Arauca. Peace negotiations remain stalled.
• Dissident FARC factions clashed with security forces in Caquetá.

Mexico

• Cartel violence spiked in Michoacán and Guerrero. Armed groups using military-grade hardware.

North America

​United States

• FBI disrupted a domestic terrorist plot by a militia group in Michigan planning attacks on infrastructure.
• DHS raised alert levels amid online chatter from extremist forums.

Canada

• RCMP arrested two individuals in Alberta with alleged ties to a neo-Nazi network planning hate crimes.

Emerging Threats & Trends

• ISIS-K re-emergence in Afghanistan poses a growing regional threat.
• Houthis’ maritime tactics indicate a strategic shift, raising Red Sea security risks.
• The Sahel remains volatile, with jihadist groups exploiting junta transitions.
• Cross-border alliances forming among ethnic insurgents in Myanmar.

High-Risk Regions for Continued Monitoring:

• Eastern Afghanistan
• Red Sea maritime routes
• Sudanese conflict zones (Darfur, Khartoum)
• Eastern DRC (North Kivu)
• Sahel tri-border area (Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso)

Data Gaps:

• Limited verified reporting from parts of Myanmar and the Central African Republic.
• Information blackout in some conflict zones in Sudan and Syria.

Next Update: April 30, 2025