Significant Kidnappings
by Job/Role for 2015

The charts show significant kidnappings by the job/role of hostages taken in 2015. It covers incidents tracked in the IntelCenter Database (ICD) Hostage Component for 2015 as of 12 Jan. 2016.

A total of 152 significant kidnappings occurred in the period. Workers ranked highest at 26% (40) with Corporate second at 18% (27). NGO ranked third at 13% (20) with Diplomat in fourth at 7% (11). In 9% (14) of the incidents, the job/role was unknown.

Numbers are expected to continue along these lines in 2016 with the potential for significant increases for diplomats, journalists, NGOs, UN staff and tourists.

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 in these countries. 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 view up-to-the-minute charts tracking hostage job/role, nationality, location of kidnapping and many other metrics related to terrorist and rebel kidnappings. As of 19 May 2015, the ICD has detailed records on more than 430 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.