Information on Over 104,000 Terrorist Attacks

The Global Terrorism Database (GTD) is an open-source database including information on terrorist events around the world from 1970 through 2011 (with annual updates planned for the future). Unlike many other event databases, the GTD includes systematic data on domestic as well as international terrorist incidents that have occurred during this time period and now includes more than 104,000 cases. Learn more

The GTD Data Rivers is an interactive visual exploratory tool that allows users to investigate temporal trends in terrorism in the Global Terrorism Database (GTD). The GTD Data Rivers aggregates important variables from the database and visualizes them as a comprehensible stack chart.

Learn more about GTD Data Rivers

May 21

2000

Buug, Philippines

05/21/2000: Nine bombs exploded in Buug, Philippines, at an interval of three to five minutes, damaging a Catholic church and other facilities but causing no casualties. This attack occurred virtually simultaneously with another explosion in Malangas, also in the Zamboanga Sibugay province. Police suspected that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) or the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was responsible for the incident.

Learn more

2010

Shah Joy, Afghanistan

05/21/2010: On Friday, in Shah Joy, Zabol, Afghanistan, unidentified assailants detonated an improvised explosive device under a bridge, causing no casualties or damage. No group claimed responsibility, although it was widely believed the Taliban was responsible.

Learn more

Four Decades of Terrorism: A Message from START's Director

Our understanding of terrorism was forever transformed by the events of September 11, 2001. As we approach the 10th anniversary of those attacks, this new release of the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) marks a milestone in our collective knowledge of terrorist activity. For the first time, we have information spanning four decades on both domestic and international terrorist attacks from around the world.

Additional START Datasets Now Available

Utilizing the Dataverse Network Project, START has created its own repository of datasets and databases on terrorism, conflict, and preparedness. This collection includes research funded by START as well as research for which START has been given permission to release. Users can read over detailed information about each dataset regarding its time period, geographic coverage, and sampling procedure.

Follow START on Twitter

For the latest developments in START research, general news about terrorism, and a "This Day in Terrorism" feature, follow the new START Twitter Feed.

Twitter with us >>

GTD In The News

START Director and Researcher Gary LaFree comments on 9/11 and the GTD (Security Management) "Before 9-11, there was no comprehensive terrorism database..." In a presentation at the National Institute of Justice 2011 Conference, Gary LaFree discussed the Global Terrorism Database and top-line findings.

GTD Data Now Downloadable

The data files for START's Global Terrorism Database (GTD) can now be downloaded directly from the GTD's website.

GTD includes thorough data on more than 98,000 terrorist incidents that have occurred around the world since 1970. Users can now download these data via the "Contact GTD" portion of the GTD website.

Users should select the Download full GTD dataset option under Actions in the contact form provided.

Data is provided in Excel format.