Islamic State Hostage Nationalities
as of 6 Oct. 2014

The charts show the nationality of hostages in significant kidnappings by the Islamic State (IS) and its predecessor, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). It covers incidents tracked in the ICD Hostage Component as of 6 Oct. 2014. It does not show hostages whose kidnappings have not yet been made public.

French and US nationals have been the most kidnapped so far with both tied at 16% (4) of the 25 hostages tracked. The UK, Spain and Italy tie for third at 12% (3). All of the remaining countries were tied for third at 4% (1).

All of the significant kidnappings counted here occurred in Syria. IS did conduct a series of mass kidnappings in Iraq that were not counted here.

Methodology Note:
Significant kidnappings typically include those conducted or likely conducted by terrorist or rebel groups of individuals who fall outside of local national targets. They are kidnappings that are generally more complex and involve additional resources and planning due to the nature of the nationality of the victim or the prominence of his or her employer. This analysis only looked at kidnappings that occurred during the period and not the total number of hostages still being held. Mass kidnapping of 25 or more people were not counted. This report also does not reflect hostages who have been taken but not publicly acknowledged as being kidnapped. Actual kidnapping numbers are usually higher then shown here as a result. Full records for all kidnappings used in this chart are in the ICD Hostage Component.

The IntelCenter Database (ICD) allows users to easily create charts tracking hostage job/role, nationality, location of kidnapping and many other metrics related to terrorist and rebel kidnappings. As of 6 Oct. 2014, the ICD has detailed records on more than 330 hostages. IntelCenter also provides analytical support services on terrorist and rebel messaging efforts.

Reporting and original source materials are contained in the IntelCenter Database (ICD). Sign up for a free 10-day trial of the ICD and see additional details by clicking here. IntelCenter has available similar analysis for other groups and subjects. For more information, to schedule an online WebEx demo or to discuss how IntelCenter can assist with your needs, email info@intelcenter.com or call 800-719-8750.