Countries in Conflict: A 2025 Update
While many parts of the world enjoy peace, several countries are still dealing with war and violent conflict. These battles are often driven by politics, ethnic divisions, religion, or competition for resources. In 2025, dozens of regions are facing unrest that disrupts daily life and claims countless lives.
Let’s break down which countries are currently at war, why these conflicts are happening, and how severe they are.
What Defines a Country at War?
A country is considered “at war” when it’s engaged in sustained armed conflict. This can be:
- Civil war (within the country)
- Interstate war (with another country)
- Terrorism or insurgency
- Ethnic or religious violence
Conflicts vary in intensity. Some may involve organized armies; others feature rebel groups or paramilitary forces. If a conflict causes over 1,000 deaths per year, it’s typically classified as a full-scale war.
🌐 List of Countries Currently at War (2025)
Here’s an overview of the countries involved in ongoing violent conflicts as of 2025:
🇺🇦 Ukraine
Conflict Type: War with Russia
Details: The Russia-Ukraine war continues with major impacts on global geopolitics, energy, and human rights. The frontlines have shifted multiple times, and civilian areas are frequently caught in the crossfire.
🇵🇸 Israel & Palestine
Conflict Type: Armed clashes
Details: The Israel-Gaza conflict has escalated since late 2023. Thousands of civilians have been displaced, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical.
🇸🇾 Syria
Conflict Type: Civil war
Details: Over a decade of civil war has left Syria divided. Government forces, rebel groups, and foreign militias still clash in key regions.
🇸🇩 Sudan
Conflict Type: Civil war
Details: The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has intensified, leading to a major humanitarian crisis.
🇾🇪 Yemen
Conflict Type: Civil war
Details: Yemen’s war continues between the Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed government. Starvation and disease have worsened the crisis.
🇲🇲 Myanmar
Conflict Type: Military vs. resistance groups
Details: Since the 2021 military coup, Myanmar has been in chaos. Ethnic militias and a civilian resistance movement continue to fight the junta.
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Conflict Type: Ethnic conflict
Details: Despite a ceasefire in Tigray, violence persists in other parts of Ethiopia, particularly Oromia and Amhara regions.
🇨🇩 DR Congo
Conflict Type: Armed insurgency
Details: Rebel groups like the M23 continue fighting the Congolese army. Civilians in the eastern provinces face regular attacks.
🇲🇱 Mali
Conflict Type: Terrorist insurgency
Details: Mali’s northern and central regions remain under threat from jihadist groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda.
🇸🇴 Somalia
Conflict Type: Insurgency
Details: Al-Shabaab militants are still active across Somalia, especially in rural areas. The Somali government relies heavily on international support.
🕊️ Other Areas with Significant Unrest
🇨🇲 Cameroon
A separatist conflict continues in the Anglophone regions, where rebels seek independence from the central government.
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
The country struggles with Islamist insurgencies. Thousands have been displaced due to escalating violence.
🇳🇪 Niger
Niger is under threat from both ISIS and Boko Haram, with frequent cross-border attacks and military operations.
🇨🇫 Central African Republic
Ongoing civil war and political instability keep the region in constant unrest.
🇮🇶 Iraq
Though ISIS has lost its caliphate, sleeper cells still carry out attacks, especially in northern regions.
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, the country faces both internal conflict and attacks from ISIS-K militants.
🕯️ The Human Cost of War
Wars don’t just affect borders — they shatter lives. Conflict often leads to:
- Mass displacement and refugee crises
- Economic collapse
- Food and water shortages
- Psychological trauma for survivors
- Lost generations with no access to education or stability
In 2025, over 100 million people are estimated to be forcibly displaced, many due to war.
Is Global Peace Possible?
Peace isn’t out of reach. Many organizations and peacekeepers are working tirelessly to mediate conflicts and support recovery. However, lasting peace needs:
- Political reform
- Fair resource distribution
- International cooperation
- Local reconciliation efforts
🧭 Final Thoughts
While parts of the world enjoy stability, millions continue to live under the threat of violence. Understanding these global conflicts is the first step toward advocating for peace and supporting those in need.