Since the end of the Second World War, the United States has had an indispensable role in global politics. With the most advanced military of any country, the U.S. projects power around the world to protect its interests — providing a security umbrella for allies, safeguarding international trade routes, and deploying troops into active conflict zones. Additionally, with a gross domestic product of $29.2 trillion — over 26% output worldwide — the U.S. is also the center of gravity of the global economy. But while America’s status as a leading military and economic superpower has fostered key alliances and partnerships across the globe, it has also made the U.S. a target for violent non-state actors.
According to the National Consortium For the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, or START, American citizens and institutions have been targeted in over 5,400 terrorist attacks since 1970 — more than any other highly developed nation, and the 10th most of any country. While not all of these attacks have been fatal, they have collectively claimed thousands of American lives. Data from START shows that 5,654 U.S. citizens were killed in terrorist attacks between 1970 and mid-2021.
The single deadliest terror attack in U.S. history was carried out on Sept. 11, 2001, when al-Qaeda operatives hijacked passenger jets and flew them into the Pentagon and the Twin Towers — tangible symbols of American economic and military power. While the events of 9/11 are cemented in American consciousness, hundreds of other deadly terror attacks have targeted American military personnel and civilians around the world in recent decades.
Using data from START, a joint project between the Department of Homeland Security and the University of Maryland, 24/7 Wall St. identified the countries where the most Americans have been killed in terrorist attacks. Countries are ranked by the number of American fatalities resulting from terrorist attacks between 1970 and 2021, as reported in the START Global Terrorism Database. Only countries in which 10 or more Americans have been killed were considered. All supplemental data are also from the GTD.
To be considered a terrorist act by START, an incident must have been intentional, carried out by a non-state actor, and involve violence or the threat of violence. Additionally, to be counted, an incident must meet at least two of the following criteria: it is aimed at attaining a political, religious, social, or economic reform goal; it is intended to send a message to a broader audience than the immediate victims; or it occurs outside the context of legitimate warfare. Notably, this list includes some incidents for which it remains unclear whether these criteria were fully met.
Among the 26 countries on this list, the number of Americans killed in terrorist attacks reported between 1970 and 2021 ranges from 10 to more than 3,700. These countries span multiple global regions, including Central, North, and South America, Western Europe, South Asia, North and Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. Excluding the United States itself, the highest-ranking countries on this list tend to be areas where the U.S. military has a sizable presence, whether as part of an alliance or as a participant in armed conflict.
The most common types of attacks in these countries include armed assaults, assassinations, bombings, hijackings, and hostage-taking. While in many cases the perpetrators of these attacks remain unknown, the terrorist organizations behind many of the most devastating attacks include well-known groups such as Al-Qaida, Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, and the Taliban.
These are the countries where the most Americans have been killed in terrorist attacks.
Why It Matters
As the world’s leading economic and military superpower, the United States has an outsized influence on global politics. While an indispensable partner and ally to dozens of countries worldwide, America has also created a long list of adversaries through its military endeavors and economic dominance — and many of them are defined and organized by ideology rather than political borders. Between 1970 and 2021, more than 5,640 U.S. citizens have been killed in terror attacks, and over 97% of these fatalities were reported in just a small handful of countries.
26. Turkey
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 10 (0.1% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Istanbul (7 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Marxist-Leninist Armed Propaganda Unit (4 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1979 (4 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Assassination (7 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 5 (0.0% of all wounded terror victims in country)
25. Kuwait
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 10 (15.9% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Kuwait City (5 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Hezbollah (7 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1983 (5 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (5 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 20 (6.7% of all wounded terror victims in country)
24. Syria
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 11 (0.1% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Manbij (4 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (8 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 2019 (4 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (7 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 14 (0.1% of all wounded terror victims in country)
23. Guatemala
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 11 (0.2% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Guatemala City (3 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Unknown (8 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1992 (3 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Assassination (8 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 11 (0.9% of all wounded terror victims in country)
22. Niger
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 11 (0.4% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Goure (7 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Hezbollah (7 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1989 (7 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (7 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 2 (0.2% of all wounded terror victims in country)
21. Indonesia
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 11 (0.8% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Kuta (7 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Jemaah Islamiya (7 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 2002 (9 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (7 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 32 (1.2% of all wounded terror victims in country)
20. Somalia
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 13 (0.1% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Mogadishu (8 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Al-Shabaab (10 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 2014 (3 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (6 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 8 (0.1% of all wounded terror victims in country)
19. Argentina
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 13 (2.6% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Formosa (11 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Montoneros (12 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1975 (12 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Armed Assault (11 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: N/A
18. Greece
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 13 (4.9% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Athens (11 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Arab Revolutionary Cells (4 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1986 (4 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (8 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 33 (4.3% of all wounded terror victims in country)
17. Kenya
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 18 (0.8% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Nairobi (15 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Al-Qaida (12 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1998 (12 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (13 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 9 (0.1% of all wounded terror victims in country)
16. Colombia
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 19 (0.1% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Unknown (3 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (8 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1981 (3 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Hostage Taking (13 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 8 (0.1% of all wounded terror victims in country)
15. Israel
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 20 (1.2% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Jerusalem (15 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Hamas (13 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 2002 (5 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (15 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 20 (0.3% of all wounded terror victims in country)
14. El Salvador
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 24 (0.2% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: San Salvador (13 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (16 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1985 (6 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Armed Assault (13 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 7 (0.1% of all wounded terror victims in country)
13. Yemen
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 25 (0.2% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Aden (18 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Al-Qaida (17 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 2000 (17 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (19 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 44 (0.3% of all wounded terror victims in country)
12. West Bank and Gaza Strip
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 26 (1.5% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Jerusalem (4 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Hamas (7 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 2003 (5 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Armed Assault (9 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 16 (0.5% of all wounded terror victims in country)
11. Canada
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 31 (8.1% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Toronto (31 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Sikh Extremists (31 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1985 (31 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (31 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: N/A
10. Philippines
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 34 (0.3% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Manila (10 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: New People’s Army (16 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1985 (6 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Assassination (22 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 16 (0.1% of all wounded terror victims in country)
9. Saudi Arabia
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 35 (5.0% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Dhahran (19 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Saudi Hezbollah (19 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1996 (19 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (32 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 152 (8.3% of all wounded terror victims in country)
8. Pakistan
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 37 (0.1% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Okara (17 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Unknown (29 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 2000 (17 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (20 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 61 (0.1% of all wounded terror victims in country)
7. Italy
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 38 (9.0% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Rome (37 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Black September (30 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1973 (30 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Hostage Taking (30 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 68 (5.2% of all wounded terror victims in country)
6. Algeria
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 123 (1.1% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Sidi Hamed (60 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Armed Islamic Group (120 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1998 (120 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (120 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 1 (0.0% of all wounded terror victims in country)
5. United Kingdom
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 194 (5.7% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Lockerbie (189 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Unknown (189 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1988 (189 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (190 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 3 (0.0% of all wounded terror victims in country)
4. Iraq
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 267 (0.3% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Baghdad (75 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Unknown (188 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 2004 (113 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (204 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 465 (0.3% of all wounded terror victims in country)
3. Lebanon
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 273 (6.6% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Beirut (266 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Hezbollah (263 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 1983 (258 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (263 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 94 (0.8% of all wounded terror victims in country)
2. Afghanistan
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 518 (0.7% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: Unknown (130 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Taliban (253 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 2012 (209 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Bombing/Explosion (316 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 517 (0.7% of all wounded terror victims in country)
1. United States
- Americans killed in terrorist attacks, 1970-2021: 3,703 (93.7% of all terrorism fatalities in country)
- City where the most Americans have been killed by terrorism, 1970-2021: New York City (2,713 U.S. citizens killed)
- Terrorist organization responsible for the most American deaths, 1970-2021: Al-Qaida (2,908 U.S. citizens killed)
- Year when the most Americans were killed by terrorists in country, 1970-2021: 2001 (2,916 U.S. citizens killed)
- Type of terrorist attack that has killed the most Americans in country: Hijacking (2,913 U.S. citizens killed)
- Americans non-fatally wounded in terror attacks, 1970-2021: 3,047 (11.5% of all wounded terror victims in country)
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