Maat Documented 144 Terrorist Operations in Q3 of 2023

Okeil: We must work to promote religious tolerance, combat hate speech, and invest in programs that protect the rights of to reduce the conditions that promote terrorism

Maat for Peace, Development, and Human Rights has released its quarterly report titled "Terrorism Index in the Arab Region during the Third Quarter of 2023." The report focuses on monitoring and analyzing terrorism in the Arab region, including the activities of terrorist groups and their movements from July to September 2023, and employed multiple research and investigative approaches to track terrorist operations and provide accurate findings.

According to the report, there was a decrease in terrorist operations in the Arab region during the third quarter of 2023 compared to the previous quarter. Terrorist organizations claimed responsibility for 144 operations, down from approximately 230 in the second quarter. Maat verified these operations using a tool to track armed attacks claimed or attributed to terrorist groups, ensuring the accuracy of the data.

These terrorist operations resulted in the deaths and injuries of 1,211 individuals, including civilians and military personnel. Among the casualties, there were 293 civilian deaths, 622 military deaths, 182 civilian injuries (including women and children), and 114 military injuries. Civilians accounted for 32% of the total deaths and 61.5% of the total injuries caused by terrorist operations.

Despite the decline in the rate of terrorist operations, the report highlights that the threat of terrorism remains present in the Arab region. Terrorist groups are attempting to reorganize and revive their activities, particularly in conflict zones and areas of tension and instability. Non-state armed groups, often supported by external parties, such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, continue to pose a threat to civilians and national armies.

Ayman Okeil, an international human rights expert and Chairman of Maat, emphasized that the Houthi group in Yemen, classified as a terrorist group by Security Council Resolution 2624, was responsible for the largest number of terrorist operations in the third quarter of 2023. Okeil called for unified Arab positions to remove mercenaries and foreign forces from conflict-ridden Arab countries. He also stressed the importance of promoting religious tolerance, combating hate speech, and investing in programs that protect the rights of women and religious minorities. Aqeel believes that these measures, along with providing social services to vulnerable groups, can help mitigate the conditions that foster terrorism.

 The report concludes by urging the allocation of more financial resources for rehabilitation programs and the prevention of violent extremism in the Arab region. It also emphasizes the need to address social injustices faced by citizens in the Arab region.