As of 2025, the world continues to witness numerous active conflicts,
As of 2025, the world continues to witness numerous active conflicts, varying in intensity, scope, and global attention. Wars and armed conflicts can be broadly categorized into international wars, civil wars, insurgencies, and intercommunal violence. While the exact number can fluctuate, there are over 30 active conflicts and wars globally, according to organizations like the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP), ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project), and the Council on Foreign Relations' Global Conflict Tracker.
Below is an elaborate discussion on the key wars currently ongoing in the world in 2025:
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1. Russia–Ukraine War
Started: 2014 (Escalated in February 2022)
Type: International war, invasion
Parties: Russia vs. Ukraine, with indirect involvement of NATO and Western allies
Description: This remains the most intense war in Europe since World War II. The conflict involves large-scale artillery battles, drone warfare, missile strikes, and extensive civilian suffering. Over 500,000 people have died, and millions have been displaced. Western countries continue to support Ukraine militarily and economically.
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2. Israel–Hamas War (Gaza War)
Started: October 7, 2023 (Current escalation)
Type: International conflict and urban warfare
Parties: Israel vs. Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups
Description: Triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel, this war has seen thousands killed in Gaza and Israel. Israel’s response has involved a full-scale military offensive in Gaza, leading to immense destruction and humanitarian crisis. There is also the risk of regional escalation involving Hezbollah (Lebanon), Iran, and Syria.
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3. Sudan Civil War (2023–Present)
Type: Civil war
Parties: Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) vs. Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
Description: A brutal power struggle that has devolved into a full-blown civil war. The capital, Khartoum, and Darfur regions have witnessed extreme violence, ethnic massacres, and widespread displacement. Over 10 million people are in humanitarian crisis.
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4. Ethiopian Conflict (Tigray and Beyond)
Started: November 2020
Status: Fragile ceasefire in Tigray, ongoing violence in Amhara and Oromia
Description: Although the Tigray war ended in 2022 with a peace agreement, violence continues in the Amhara and Oromia regions. Ethnic tensions, resource disputes, and governance challenges fuel unrest.
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5. Yemen Civil War
Started: 2014
Type: Civil war with international involvement
Parties: Houthi rebels vs. Yemeni government (backed by Saudi-led coalition)
Description: Despite peace talks, intermittent fighting continues. Yemen remains one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with famine, disease, and economic collapse affecting millions.
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6. Myanmar Civil War (Post-2021 Coup)
Started: February 2021 (Coup d’état)
Type: Civil war
Description: After the military coup, resistance forces including ethnic armed groups and the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) have launched a nationwide rebellion. The country is fragmented, with thousands of casualties and large refugee flows.
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7. Haiti Gang War
Type: Urban armed conflict
Started: Intensified in 2021–2022
Description: The capital, Port-au-Prince, is engulfed in gang violence. The Haitian government has lost control of most parts of the city. The crisis includes murders, kidnappings, and food insecurity. A Kenya-led international force is being considered for deployment.
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8. Democratic Republic of Congo (Eastern Conflict)
Type: Insurgency
Parties: Congolese government vs. M23 rebels and other militia groups
Description: The eastern region remains unstable due to decades of conflict involving ethnic militias, foreign interests, and resource extraction. Rwanda has been accused of backing M23, leading to rising regional tensions.
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9. Sahel Region Insurgencies (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger)
Type: Insurgency and counter-terrorism conflict
Parties: Jihadist groups (ISIS, al-Qaeda) vs. national armies and paramilitary groups
Description: Islamist insurgencies have destabilized much of the Sahel. Coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have further complicated the fight. Civilian massacres, displacement, and famine are widespread.
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10. Somalia Conflict (al-Shabaab Insurgency)
Type: Islamist insurgency
Started: 2007
Description: al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, continues to launch attacks on Somali government and African Union forces. Despite U.S. drone strikes and regional military efforts, the group remains potent.
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11. Kurdish Conflict (Turkey–PKK War)
Type: Ethno-political conflict
Parties: Turkish government vs. PKK and Kurdish militias (across Turkey, Iraq, Syria)
Description: Turkey continues military operations against Kurdish insurgents in southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq. Kurdish fighters are also involved in the Syrian conflict against ISIS.
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12. Afghanistan Conflict (Post-U.S. Withdrawal)
Type: Insurgency and civil unrest
Description: While the Taliban controls the government, ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan Province) continues to carry out deadly attacks, especially targeting minorities like Hazaras. Armed resistance groups also persist in pockets.
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13. Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict (Armenia–Azerbaijan)
Type: Ethnic-nationalist conflict
Status: Azerbaijan regained full control of the territory in 2023; tensions remain
Description: The long-standing conflict saw a decisive Azerbaijani military operation in 2023. Many ethnic Armenians fled the region. Although large-scale combat has ceased, tensions and the risk of renewed war remain.
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14. Pakistan Internal Conflicts
Type: Insurgency and counter-terror operations
Description: Pakistan faces ongoing violence from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch separatists, and sectarian groups. The western provinces remain volatile, with military operations ongoing.
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15. Iran–Baluchistan Conflict
Type: Insurgency
Description: The Sistan-Baluchistan region in southeastern Iran sees regular attacks by Baloch insurgents and Sunni extremist groups. Government crackdowns have been harsh, contributing to the unrest.
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Overview of Other Lesser-Publicized Conflicts:
Cameroon Anglophone Crisis
Mozambique (Cabo Delgado insurgency)
India (Naxalite-Maoist insurgency)
Philippines (Mindanao Muslim insurgency)
Colombia (Post-FARC dissidents and ELN rebels)
Tajikistan–Kyrgyzstan border skirmishes
Venezuela–Colombia (border and rebel issues)
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Global Conflict Summary (2025)
Region Major Conflicts/Wars Estimated Deaths (since start)
Europe Russia–Ukraine 500,000+
Middle East Israel–Hamas, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Iran 1 million+ (combined)
Africa Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo, Sahel, Somalia, Libya 2 million+ (combined)
Asia Myanmar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Philippines 500,000+
Americas Haiti, Colombia Tens of thousands
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Key Themes in Current Global Conflicts
1. State Collapse: Nations like Haiti, Sudan, and Myanmar are experiencing near-total governance breakdowns.
2. Proxy Warfare: Conflicts like Ukraine and Yemen involve external actors like the U.S., Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
3. Urban Warfare and Drones: Modern wars are seeing increased use of drones, AI, and cyberwarfare (e.g., Ukraine, Gaza).
4. Ethnic and Religious Divisions: Many civil wars (Sudan, Myanmar, Ethiopia) are deeply rooted in ethnic conflict.
5. Resource Conflicts: Water, oil, and mineral-rich regions like Congo and Darfur are heavily contested.
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Conclusion
In 2025, the world is far from peaceful. Although global-scale wars like World War II are not occurring, a large number of deadly regional and internal conflicts continue to destabilize entire nations and threaten global peace. These wars also contribute to migration crises, famine, economic disruption, and the rise of extremist ideologies.
Total number of active major wars/conflicts: 30+
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