The rise in violence in South Asia was offset by a continued decline in attacks in Iraq, leading to an overall decrease in terrorism worldwide in 2009, compared with 2008. Photo by AFPTerror Attacks Decline Globally, But Rise In Afghanistan, Pakistan -- FOX News/Associated Press
The struggling nations provide havens for terrorists who are increasingly targeting the U.S. and other western nations.
WASHINGTON -- An increase in terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan triggered a spike in the number of civilians killed or wounded there last year, pushing South Asia past the Middle East as the top terror region in the world, according to figures compiled by a U.S. intelligence agency.
Thousands of civilians -- overwhelmingly Muslim -- continue to be slaughtered in extremist attacks, contributing to the instability of the often shaky, poverty-stricken governments in the region, the statistics compiled by the National Counterterrorism Center show.
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More News On Global Terror Attacks
South Asia Becomes Top Region for Terror -- Time Magazine/AP
Terrorist attacks spike in Pakistan, Afghanistan -- AP
South Asia becomes world's worst terrorism hot spot with over 15,000 civilians killed in 2009 -- Today Online
Terrorist Attacks Increase in Pakistan and Afghanistan -- CBN News
Pakistan, Afghanistan make South Asia terror capital -- DAWN