Significant Kidnappings
by Nationality for 2014

The charts show the nationality of hostages in significant kidnappings around the world in 2014. It covers incidents tracked in the ICD Hostage Component from 2014 as of 18 Jan. 2015. It does not show hostages whose kidnappings have not yet been made public.

Chinese nationals have by far been the most kidnapped in 2014 at 22% (21) of the 95 hostages tracked. Italy comes in a distant second at 9% (9). Egypt came in third at 6% (6) followed by Germany and the UK tied at 5% (5). Tunisia came in fifth at 4% (4).

China may continue to see an increase through 2015, however, Western nationals have been specifically identified on 26 Apr. 2014 by al-Qaeda Emir Ayman al-Zawahiri as a prime target to secure the release of jihadi prisoners. Consequently, there will likely be an increase in Westerners taken. This will be further exacerbated by efforts of the Islamic State (IS) to kidnap Westerners.

Overall, an increased effort by jihadist groups to take hostages from a wide array of countries to use in exchange for their own prisoners significantly increases the risk of kidnappings around the world for 2015.

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 kidnappings 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 18 Jan. 2015, the ICD has detailed records on more than 370 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.