- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Thu, 08 May 2025 04:43 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
List of 10 Infamous UN Designated Terrorist Organisations: India and Pakistan continue to face tense relations due to border conflicts, terrorist activities, and long-standing political disputes. Terrorism remains a serious threat to global peace, with many dangerous groups operating across countries. The United Nations has officially designated several organisations as terrorist groups due to their violent activities and threat to international security.
Some of the most infamous among them include Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Taliban and others. These groups have carried out deadly attacks and continue to spread fear in different regions. In South Asia, tensions between India and Pakistan remain high, especially due to cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. India has often blamed Pakistan for supporting terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which have targeted Indian security forces and civilians.
10 Infamous UN Designated Terrorist Organisations In The World And Its Founder
Here is the list of 10 infamous terrorist organisations designated by the UN, known for their drastic terror attacks, Bombing, Kidnapping, Killing and more. Also, know who the founders are.
1. Al-Qaeda (Founded: 1988)
Al-Qaeda is one of the world's most dangerous terrorist organisations that was established by Osama bin Laden to fight against Western influence in Muslim nations. After the 9/11 attacks in America, which claimed the lives of almost 3,000 people, the group attracted international attention. However, Osama was shot dead by America under Operation Neptune Spear in Pakistan. It has branches in the Maghreb, Somalia and Yemen.
Active Area: Global (especially the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa)
2. ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) (Founded: 2013)
ISIS is known for its extreme violence and brutal killings. Its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014 and controlled large parts of both nations. The group gained global attention for beheadings, terror videos and attacks like the deadly 2015 Paris shootings and bombings that killed over 130 people. Abu Bakr shot himself and his two children during a raid of U. S military on 27 October 2019.
Active Area: Iraq, Syria, parts of Africa and Asia
3. Taliban (Founded: 1994)
The Taliban group, which was founded by Mullah Mohammad Omar, initially goal in Afghanistan to impose rigid Islamic governance. At first, they seized power in 2001 but were ousted by the United States. They regained control in 2021 and are currently governing Afghanistan under Taliban rules. Despite their current claims to power, they remain on the UN terror list because of their involvement in violent incidents, such as the massacre of 150 people, primarily children, at a Peshawar school. One of their major attacks was the 2008 Kabul Serena Hotel bombing, which targeted foreign diplomats.
Active Area: Afghanistan and Pakistan
4. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) (Founded: 1987)
The terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba is based in Pakistan and targets India and was founded by Hafiz Saeed. After the 2008 Mumbai attacks, in which gunmen murdered 166 people in many locations, including hotels and a train station, it attracted international attention. The group wants Kashmir to be cut off from India.
Active Area: Pakistan, India (especially Jammu and Kashmir)
5. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) (Founded: 2000)
Another Pakistani organisation that targets India, particularly in Kashmir, is Jaish-e-Mohammed, founded by Masood Azhar. It carried out the 2019 Pulwama attack, which sparked tensions between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary soldiers. The recent Operation Sindoor by India, after the Pahalgam terror attack struck 9 terror bases in Pakistan on 7 May 2025, in which almost 70 terrorists were killed. Masood Azhar's wife, son and 10 family members also died in this operation.
Active Area: Pakistan, India (Kashmir region)
6. Boko Haram (Founded: 2002)
The Nigerian terrorist organisation Boko Haram was founded by Mohammad Yusuf, and it seeks to establish Islamic law. It is infamous for attacking civilians and schools. The kidnapping of 270 school girls in Chibok was its most shocking act, and the #BringBackOurGirls campaign caused outrage around the world.
Active Area: Nigeria and neighboring countries (Niger, Chad, Cameroon)
7. Harakat-ul-Mujahidin (HUM) (Founded: Early 1980s)
HUM is a Kashmir-focused terrorist organisation with its headquarters in Pakistan. It has ties to both the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. The group was responsible for the Indian Airlines flight IC814 hijacking in 1999, which resulted in the hostages being exchanged for the terrorists' release.
Active Area: Pakistan and India (especially Kashmir)
8. Hamas (Founded: 1987)
Hamas is a Palestinian organisation that frequently clashes with Israel. Its armed wing targets Israeli targets with deadly attacks, such as rocket strikes and suicide bombings, but it also operates as a political organisation in Gaza.
Active Area: Gaza Strip and Israel
9. Hezbollah (Founded: 1982)
Hezbollah is a militant organisation and political party in Lebanon that is supported by Iran. It backs Syrian government forces and has been involved in significant conflicts with Israel. Its truck bombing in Beirut in 1983 was one of the deadliest attacks on Western forces in the region, killing over 300 American and French military personnel.
Active Area: Lebanon, Syria, and Israel border areas
10. Al-Shabaab (Founded: 2006)
Al-Shabaab is a Somali and Kenyan terrorist organisation with ties to al-Qaeda. It seeks to bring Islamic governance to Somalia. It carried out a vicious four-day attack at a Nairobi, Kenya, shopping mall in 2013, leaving 67 people dead and numerous others injured.
Active Area: Somalia, Kenya, East Africa