Which Countries Are at War Today?

Introduction: A World in Conflict

The question "Which countries are at war today?" is no longer a simple one to answer. In 2024 and 2025, the world is witnessing an alarming number of active conflicts. According to the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), 61 armed conflicts were recorded in 36 countries during 2024, making it the most violent year since World War II. This represents nearly one-third of all United Nations member states. While the most visible wars are between nations like Russia and Ukraine or Israel and Iran, many other internal and regional conflicts continue to simmer. Understanding the current global landscape of war requires looking beyond the headlines and exploring a complex network of geopolitical tensions, territorial disputes, and internal insurgencies.

The Russia-Ukraine War: A European Prolonged Conflict

The war between Russia and Ukraine remains one of the most significant and destructive conflicts of the 21st century. What began in February 2022 with Russia's full-scale invasion has evolved into a brutal war of attrition. As of mid-2025, fighting continues along a 1,000-kilometer front line in eastern and southern Ukraine. Both sides rely heavily on artillery, drones, and missile strikes. Russia has launched relentless offensives in Donetsk and Luhansk, while Ukraine defends its territory with Western-supplied weapons. The human cost is staggering: tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians have died, and millions have been displaced. The war has also triggered global consequences, such as energy crises and food shortages. Diplomatic efforts have repeatedly stalled, and neither side shows signs of backing down. This conflict remains a top concern for global security, with NATO countries deeply involved in supporting Ukraine.

Israel-Hamas War and Escalation with Iran: Middle East Turmoil

In the Middle East, the most intense conflict is the war between Israel and Hamas, which erupted on October 7, 2023. The attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians led to a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip. By June 2025, the situation had escalated dramatically. Israel launched a direct strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, drawing a swift and severe response. Iran retaliated with a barrage of missiles and drones, and the conflict expanded. Over 20 countries were drawn into the fighting, including regional proxies from Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. The Gaza Strip faces a humanitarian catastrophe, with widespread destruction, a collapsing healthcare system, and a severe food crisis. Airstrikes have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. Meanwhile, Iran's involvement has opened a new front, with the risk of a broader regional war. The international community has called for ceasefires, but deep political and religious divisions make peace elusive.

Sudan's Civil War: A Forgotten Catastrophe

Sudan is currently experiencing one of the worst humanitarian emergencies in the world. The civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in April 2023 and shows no sign of resolution. The two former allies turned on each other, plunging the country into chaos. Fighting is concentrated in Khartoum and the Darfur region, where ethnic violence has escalated to genocide-like levels. The RSF has been accused of war crimes, including mass rape and the destruction of villages. Over 10 million people have been displaced, many fleeing to neighboring Chad and Egypt. The healthcare system has collapsed, famine looms, and millions of children are out of school. International mediation efforts have failed to secure a lasting ceasefire. Sudan's natural resources, particularly gold and oil, are a key driver of the conflict, with both sides seeking control to finance their war efforts.

Syrian Conflict: Ongoing Instability

Although the Syrian civil war is no longer a constant headline, it remains active and devastating. The conflict began in 2011 and has entered its 14th year. The government of Bashar al-Assad, backed by Russia and Iran, controls most of the country. However, several fronts remain active. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) control the northeast, while Turkish-backed rebels hold territory in the north. The jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) dominates Idlib province in the northwest. The Islamic State (ISIS) is also still active in the desert, conducting hit-and-run attacks. The war has killed over 500,000 people and displaced more than half the population. The country remains fragmented, and periodic violence continues. In 2025, there are reports of renewed fighting between Turkish forces and the SDF. The humanitarian situation is dire, with millions needing aid, and large parts of the country destroyed.

Yemen Civil War: A War Without End

Yemen's war between the internationally recognized government and the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) has been ongoing since 2014. The conflict escalated in 2015 when a Saudi-led coalition intervened to support the government. Despite a UN-brokered truce in 2022, the underlying issues remain unresolved. The Houthis control the capital Sanaa and the north, while the government holds Aden and the south. Sporadic fighting continues, especially in the central and northern regions. Since late 2023, the conflict has taken on an international dimension. The Houthis began attacking Red Sea shipping in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, launching missiles and drones at commercial vessels. This prompted the United States and the United Kingdom to conduct airstrikes against Houthi military positions in Yemen. As of 2025, this is now a low-intensity but active war. The humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen is one of the worst globally, with millions facing famine and no access to clean water or healthcare.

Nagorno-Karabakh: A Frozen Conflict Heats Up

The dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region is a long-running conflict. After a major war in 2020, a ceasefire was established, but tensions never fully disappeared. In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a military offensive that took full control of the region in just 24 hours. The self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh surrendered, and over 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled the area. This was not a large war, but it was a decisive military action that changed the map. Today, the conflict is technically over, but it remains a source of instability. Both countries still have troops facing each other at the border, and peace treaty negotiations are stalled. There are occasional skirmishes and landmine incidents. The risk of a new war remains if diplomatic efforts fail or if external powers, such as Russia or Turkey, intensify their involvement.

M23 Rebellion and DRC: The African Great Lakes Crisis

The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been a conflict zone for decades, and the situation has worsened since 2021. The M23 rebel group, mainly composed of ethnic Tutsis, launched a new offensive in North Kivu province. By 2025, M23 controls a large territory, including the key town of Goma? partly. Fighting between M23 and the DRC army, plus UN peacekeepers, has been intense. The rebel group is backed by Rwanda, a claim Rwanda denies but which the UN and many governments confirm. The conflict has displaced over 2 million people. It is fueled by competition over valuable minerals like coltan, gold, and tin, which are used in electronics. Human rights abuses are common, including summary executions and sexual violence. The regional dimension involves Uganda, Burundi, and other countries. Peace talks have so far produced no lasting results. The war continues to destabilize the entire Great Lakes region of Africa.

Somalia Insurgency: Al-Shabaab

Somalia has been a battleground for a long fight against the jihadist group Al-Shabaab. The group controls parts of southern and central Somalia, launching attacks on government forces, peacekeepers, and civilians. The Somali government, supported by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the United States, has been fighting to regain control. In 2024 and 2025, the government launched several offensives, pushing Al-Shabaab out of some towns. However, the group remains a serious threat, using guerrilla tactics and suicide bombings. They also maintain a presence in the capital Mogadishu. The conflict is intertwined with regional tensions, including the breakaway region of Somaliland. Al-Shabaab has also conducted attacks in neighboring Kenya. The war is a mix of a civil war and an international counterterrorism campaign. It has caused immense suffering, with millions of Somalis in need of humanitarian aid due to the combined effects of conflict and drought.

Instability in the Sahel: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

The Sahel region of Africa, particularly the countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, is experiencing a wave of instability and jihadist violence. The region has been plagued by groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. These groups have attacked military bases, towns, and villages, killing thousands. Since 2020, military coups have taken place in all three countries, with new regimes turning away from traditional Western partners and seeking help from Russia (Wagner Group?). The military juntas have expelled French troops and are now fighting the jihadists themselves, though with limited success. The conflict has displaced over 3 million people in the region. The situation is particularly dire in Burkina Faso, where jihadist groups control vast territories. The instability also threatens northern coastal countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast. The wars are driven by poverty, weak governance, and ethnic grievances, making them extremely difficult to resolve.

Myanmar Civil War: A Multifront Catastrophe

Myanmar has been in a state of civil war since the military coup in February 2021. The Tatmadaw (the military) overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. That action re-ignited conflicts with ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and spawned dozens of new People's Defense Forces (PDFs) across the country. By 2025, the conflict is widespread. The military has lost control of significant areas, especially in border regions like Chin, Kayah, and Shan states. The opposition has formed a National Unity Government (NUG) and is coordinating attacks. The military responds with airstrikes, artillery, and burning villages. Over 2 million people are displaced. The war has also led to a severe economic crisis. The ethnic dimension is critical, with groups like the Arakan Army, the Kachin Independence Army, and the Shan State Army all fighting. There is no peace process in sight. The world has largely condemned the junta, but sanctions have not halted the violence.

Other Notable Conflicts and Tensions

Beyond the wars mentioned, there are several other active conflicts and tensions. In Haiti, gangs control much of the capital Port-au-Prince, fighting each other and the police. A UN-backed mission is trying to restore order, but violence is constant. Venezuela and Guyana have a simmering border dispute over the oil-rich Essequibo region, with tensions escalating in 2023 and 2024. In Ethiopia, though a peace deal ended the Tigray conflict in 2022, there are still episodes of violence in other regions, particularly Amhara and Oromia. The Philippines has a long-running insurgency with the New People's Army. Also, the war against ISIS continues in Iraq and Syria, though on a smaller scale. Each of these conflicts contributes to the overall picture of a world with more armed violence than at any point in recent history.

Comparison of Major Active Wars

Country / Conflict	Type	Active Since	Estimated Deaths (Approx.)	Key Parties
Russia-Ukraine	Interstate	2022	200,000+	Russia vs Ukraine
Israel-Hamas/Iran	Interstate/Intrastate	2023	50,000+	Israel vs Hamas, Iran
Sudan Civil War	Intrastate	2023	30,000+	SAAF vs RSF
Syrian Conflict	Intrastate	2011	500,000+	Govt, Rebels, Jihadists
Myanmar Civil War	Intrastate	2021	50,000+	Junta vs Ethnic Groups, PDFs
Yemen Civil War	Intrastate/Proxy	2014	300,000+	Govt vs Houthis, Saudi / US

List of Factors Fueling Modern Wars

Numerous factors contribute to the current high number of conflicts. Understanding these helps explain why wars are erupting and persisting across the globe.

Territorial disputes and competing nationalisms, such as between Russia and Ukraine.
Religious and ethnic divisions that are exploited by political leaders for power.
Fragile or collapsed state institutions that cannot provide security or services.
Resource competition over oil, gas, water, and precious minerals like coltan and gold.
Proxy warfare where great powers like the US, Russia, and China arm and support rival factions.
Proliferation of advanced weapons, including drones and precision missiles.
Climate change and environmental degradation leading to displacement and scarcity.
Historical grievances and unresolved traumas from past conflicts.
The rise of non-state armed groups, such as jihadist movements, which have global reach.
Unchecked arms trade and easy access to small arms and light weapons.

Conclusion: A Dangerous New Era

The evidence is clear: the world is currently in a period of intense armed conflict. With 61 active wars and armed conflicts in 36 countries, the threat of further escalation is very real. The war in Ukraine continues to drain resources and attention, while the Middle East is on fire with the Israel-Iran confrontation pulling in many nations. Africa is suffering from multiple large-scale civil wars in Sudan, the DRC, and the Sahel. Asia is not immune, with the brutal civil war in Myanmar and lingering tensions in the South China Sea and Kashmir. The number of global refugees and internally displaced people has reached record highs, over 120 million. Peace diplomacy seems weaker than ever, as many conflicts are driven by uncompromising ideologies. The world must prioritize conflict resolution and humanitarian aid. Without a renewed global commitment to peace, the list of countries at war will only grow longer.