Wars article

Matthew 24:6-13 NIV

6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Global Conflicts in 2025: A Landscape of War and Emerging Flashpoints

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” — Matthew 24:6 (NIV)

This was part of a broader discourse known as the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus describes events that will precede His return.

Current Major Wars Around the Globe

The largest of these is the Russia–Ukraine War. This conflict began in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea and then armed pro-Russian insurgencies in Donetsk and Lughansk. In 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine and this soon escalated to the largest war in Europe since World War II (1939-1945). Russia’s estimated military deaths are between 190,000 and 350,000. Ukrainian military deaths are between 60,000 and 140,000 civilians in occupied areas—is likely much higher. If you'd like, I can help visualize these figures or compare them to other historical conflicts.

- Overview: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine remains one of the most violent conflicts in recent history. Despite international sanctions and military aid to Ukraine, the war continues with high civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

The Israel–Palestine Conflict

This war started when Joshua invaded the land of Canaan in 1405 B.C. The modern version of this conflict began in 1948 with the Arab – Israel War. On October 7, 2023 Hamas launched a massive terror attack from Gaza (the biblical heartland of the kingdom of the Philistines), prompting a brutal invasion of Gaza by Israel. Over 1,200 Israelis were killed on October 7, 2023. Over 58,000 people have died in Gaza. Another 905 people were killed on the West Bank.

The Myanmar (formerly Burma) Civil War. The latest civil war in Myanmar started in 2021 when a military coup plunged Myanmar into civil war. Ethnic militias and pro-democracy forces continue to resist the junta, with widespread human rights abuses reported by both the Junta and the resistance. 82,036 have died - 1,853 while in custody often due to torture or denial of medical care. Between 3.2 and 3.5 million people have been displaced with 83,000 homes and buildings having been destroyed.

Sudan Civil War

A power struggle between the once allied Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (a militia) has devastated Khartoum and Darfur, displacing millions and killing at least 9,000. The potential for famine in this could make this a lot worse.

Ethiopian Conflict

There has been a civil war in the Amhara and Oromo regions of Ethiopia since 2018. Casualties (2024): Over 600,000 people have perished in this fighting with an estimated 7,800 having been killed in 2024 alone with many of the dead having been killed by drones and air strike.

The Nigeria and Sahel Insurgencies

Boko Haram and local affiliates of the Islamic State have been fighting terrorist insurgencies across West Africa for years. 7,096 have died in Nigeria, 6,241 have died in Burkina Faso, and 3,180 in Mali.

- Overview: Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates operate across West Africa, destabilizing entire regions.

Mexican Drug War

Since 2006 the Mexican government has been fighting a criminal insurgency led by powerful drug cartels – whose efforts are funded by America’s unquenchable thirst for illicit narcotics. Over 360,000 have been murdered, killed in turf wars between the cartels, or killed by government forces. Over 6,100 died in 2024 alone.

Syrian Civil War

Since 2011 more than 610,000 people have died in the fighting between the now deposed Assad regime and insurgents. Russia, the Kurds, the United States, Iran, Israel, Turkey, and Al Qaeda have all played a role at various times in this conflict. With the fall of Assad the war appears to be winding down.

The Democratic Republic of Congo

The Congo is locked into ethnic and insurgent conflict. Armed groups like M23 continue to fight for control of mineral-rich regions. Rwanda has been accused of direct involvement in the unrest in the Congo. More than 6 million people died in the last two major Congo Wars (1996 to 1997) and (1998 to 2006).

Potential flashpoints

China has built the largest Navy in the world and is openly preparing for an invasion of Potential Wars in the Next 18 Months. That would likely draw in the United States and could potentially escalate to a nuclear war.

Iran–Israel Escalation

Israel got the better end of Iran (with the help of U.S. B2 bomber strikes) but Iran has not given up its nuclear ambitions. More bombing strikes by Israel and/or the United States could happen if those governments believe that Iran comes close to joining the nuclear club.

North Korea’s support for Russia and increased weapons testing could trigger a new Korean War that could destabilize East Asia and involve U.S. forces stationed in South Korea.

India–Pakistan

Pakistan wants Kashmir and India doesn’t want to give it up. The Indians are facing a dangerous insurgency there that is likely supported by Pakistan. All out war between the two populous nuclear armed countries could be catastrophic for the region and have ripples felt globally.

Lebanon

The Israeli attacks on Hezbollah have weakened the pro-Iranian group and led to concerns that it could lead to the collapse of the Lebanese state triggering a civil war and regional spillover.

Haiti

The Haitian government has admitted recently to using drones to kill heavily armed criminal gang members that control the capitol city. Haiti’s government has not recovered from the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. If this gang war goes badly it could trigger a collapse of the Haitian government and gang control of the country. That could lead to famine and a possible military intervention by the United States.

Chinese aggression towards the Philippines and Vietnam could potentially escalate into broader conflict involving the United States.

A Russian move against Latvia, Estonia, or Poland could trigger a war between NATO and Russia – a war that would involve the United States.

THE VIEWS OF SUBMITTED EDITORIALS MAY NOT BE THE EXPRESS VIEWS OF THE ALABAMA GAZETTE.