Introduction: Military-targeted terrorism is a persistent global threat that affects national security and stability. This study analyzes the global trends, key perpetrators, and characteristics of terrorist attacks targeting military entities over five decades using data from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD). Methods: The GTD was utilized to extract incidents from 1970 to 2020, focusing specifically on attacks targeting military entities. Descriptive statistics were employed to identify trends in attack frequency, casualties, and the most active terrorist groups. The study classified incidents by attack and weapon types and assessed the impact across 102 countries and regions. Geospatial analysis was conducted to visualize the distribution of incidents and identify high-density regions using geographic information systems tools. Results: From 1970 to 2020, there were 5,534 terrorist incidents targeting military personnel, causing 19,971 fatalities and 23,865 injuries globally. Activity showed significant fluctuations, with a notable rise after 2000. The Middle East Kabul in Afghanistan; and Maiduguri in Nigeria, with high fatalities. Conclusion: This study highlights the ongoing and evolving threat of terrorism targeting military personnel. The findings stress the need for improved counter-terrorism strategies and greater international cooperation. By understanding historical trends and attack characteristics, policymakers and military strategists can develop more effective interventions to safeguard military personnel and assets.
Heejun Shin (2026) studied this question.