What Countries is the United States at War with?
The United States has a long and complex history of involvement in various conflicts and military operations around the world. The current state of warfare is dynamic, with new conflicts emerging and others winding down. In this article, we will explore the countries with which the United States is currently engaged in active combat or has declared war.
What does "at war" mean?
Before we delve into the list of countries, it’s essential to define what "at war" means in the context of international relations. When two or more countries engage in armed conflict, with or without a formal declaration of war, it can be considered a state of war. However, not all military actions or involvement in foreign conflicts necessarily imply a state of war. The United States, like other nations, engages in various military operations and operations other than war (OOTW), such as peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and counter-terrorism missions.
Current Military Conflicts and Operations
Here is a list of countries with which the United States is currently engaged in active combat or has declared war:
• Afghanistan: The war in Afghanistan, also known as Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, has been ongoing since 2001. The conflict is between the Afghan government, backed by international forces, and the Taliban, a radical Islamic insurgency.
• Iraq: Although the US withdrawal from combat operations in Iraq in 2011, the conflict is still ongoing. The United States has increased its military presence in Iraq since the emergence of the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2014.
• Syria: The US has been involved in a military operation in Syria, primarily against ISIS, since 2014. The operation is known as Operation Inherent Resolve.
• Libya: The US has been involved in a series of airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Libya since 2015.
• Yemen: The US has been conducting airstrikes and providing logistical support to the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels in Yemen since 2015.
• Pakistan: Although not declared war, the US has been conducting airstrikes and carrying out special operations missions against terrorist targets in Pakistan since 2002.
Formal Declarations of War
Since World War II, the United States has made formal declarations of war on only a few occasions:
| Year | War | Targeted Country(ies) |
|---|---|---|
| 1941 | Second World War | Japan |
| 1941 | Second World War | Germany and Italy |
| 1965 | Vietnam War | North Vietnam |
Recent Wars and Military Operations
Some notable military conflicts and operations in which the United States has been involved in the recent past:
• Gulf War (1990-1991): A US-led coalition liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
• War in Kosovo (1999): NATO launched a bombing campaign against Yugoslavian forces in response to ethnic cleansing and human rights abuses.
• War in Iraq (2003-2011): The US-led coalition overthrew the government of Saddam Hussein.
• War in Libya (2011): The US, along with NATO, played a significant role in the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.
• War against ISIS (2014-ongoing): A US-led coalition has been combating the terrorist organization’s expansion in Iraq and Syria.
Challenges and Implications
The global nature of modern warfare, characterized by proxy conflicts, hybrid threats, and terrorism, presents unique challenges to policymakers and military strategists. The United States faces a complex and often asymmetrical threat environment, with enemies operating in ungoverned spaces and employing non-state actors. Moreover, the blurred lines between war and peace can lead to public confusion and concerns about the role of the military.
In conclusion, the United States is engaged in various military conflicts and operations around the world, although not all are necessarily "wars" in the classical sense. Understanding the complexity of international relations and the nature of modern warfare is crucial for navigating the challenging landscape of global politics.
