2022 Bureau of Counterterrorism Annual Report

Today’s terrorist threat is more ideologically and geographically diffuse than that of two decades ago.  Al-Qa’ida (AQ) and ISIS branches and affiliates remain resilient and determined.  Iran and its proxies engage in destabilizing activity in the Middle East and beyond.  The transnational dimensions of racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism (REMVE) are evolving and growing.  The counterterrorism mission is clearly far from over, and the United States and the international community remain committed to sustaining effective counterterrorism pressure against these adversaries.

As reflected in the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Security Strategy, how the United States confronts terrorism within the context of broader national security priorities is entering a new phase.  More than twenty years after 9/11, the United States is shifting from a “U.S.-led, partner-enabled” military-centric approach to a “partner-led, U.S.-enabled” model that prioritizes diplomacy, multilateralism, and building our partners’ civilian capacity.  Striking a new balance between military action and civilian counterterrorism efforts leverages the full range of tools needed to address terrorism.

Under this new framework, the Department of State’s efforts to protect the United States and U.S. citizens and facilities overseas are taking on increased importance.  The Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT)  in close coordination and collaboration across the Department and with other federal agencies  will play a critical role in advancing the United States’ efforts to promote counterterrorism cooperation, strengthen partnerships, and build our partners’ civilian capacity to address terrorist threats.

In 2022, CT prioritized efforts to enhance international partners’ commitment and contributions to the counterterrorism fight.  CT helped partner nations develop and sustain their own capabilities to counter terrorism within their own borders and engaged with multilateral organizations, civil society, and other non-government stakeholders to ensure and build a whole-of-government and whole-of-society counterterrorism approach.

While the global terrorism challenges remain varied and formidable, there is reason for optimism.  The United States and the international community remained committed in the fight against terrorism, and we have made important gains in countering terrorism around the world.  This annual report captures some of CT’s most important achievements in 2022 to keep the United States and U.S. citizens safe and secure from terrorist threats abroad.

Annual Report [13 MB]
Annual Report (Accessible) [377 KB]