The number of ongoing wars or armed conflicts in the world can vary depending on how one defines “war” or “armed conflict” and the specific criteria used to classify them. As of my last update in January 2022, there were several significant armed conflicts and wars around the world. However, the status of conflicts can change rapidly due to various factors such as peace agreements, ceasefires, or escalations of violence.
Some of the ongoing conflicts as of early 2022 included:
- Syrian Civil War: The conflict in Syria involves various factions, including the Syrian government, rebel groups, Kurdish forces, and extremist groups such as ISIS. While the intensity of the conflict has decreased in some areas, fighting continues in parts of the country.
- Yemeni Civil War: The conflict in Yemen involves a complex web of actors, including the internationally recognized government, Houthi rebels, and a Saudi-led coalition. The humanitarian situation in Yemen has been described as one of the worst in the world.
- Afghanistan Conflict: Even after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces in 2021, Afghanistan continues to experience conflict between the Taliban, the Afghan government, and various other armed groups.
- Ethiopian Civil War: The conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region escalated in late 2020, involving the Ethiopian government, Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), and other regional forces. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis and reports of widespread human rights abuses.
- Ukraine Conflict: The conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists has persisted since 2014, despite various ceasefire agreements and diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
- Myanmar Civil War: Following a military coup in February 2021, Myanmar has experienced widespread protests and violence. The military’s crackdown on dissent has led to ongoing conflict and instability in the country.
These are just a few examples, and there may be other conflicts or armed confrontations occurring in different regions. Additionally, some conflicts may not meet the threshold of being classified as full-scale wars but still involve significant violence and humanitarian impact.
As of January 2022, some ongoing major armed conflicts and wars globally include the civil war in Syria, the conflict in Yemen, the insurgency in Afghanistan, and the tensions in Ukraine. Please note that the situation is subject to change due to factors such as peace agreements, ceasefires, or escalations of violence.