Terrorist threat has shifted to South Asia

Islamist terrorists have shifted their centre of attention from the Middle East to South Asia, according to Aon’s 2009 terrorism threat map.

There have been fewer terrorist attacks in the Middle East but increased activity in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, with Thailand and Nepal also showing increased activity, according to the map.

The research also points at the re-emergence of traditional ideological forms of terrorism.

Aon executive director Craig Preston said: “In a global recession it is not inconceivable that a new generation of terrorists will emerge from disaffected communities in a re-emergence of class-based politics.”

The terror threat map also shows a more settled outlook for North America, Europe and Australia.

Aon’s research also highlighted the threat posed by leftist and Maoist activity in India and Nepal.

Topics