President Donald Trump portrays himself as a promoter of peace, yet he’s not hesitant to utilize force against perceived threats to the U.S. security. In 2025, he authorized military action against nine different nations and regions, aiming to bolster national safety.
Here’s an overview of the various operations that have engaged U.S. forces this year:
Somali Terrorist Operations
The U.S. continued its airstrike campaign against ISIS and al-Shabaab in Somalia. Notably, an airstrike on February 1 eliminated 14 ISIS operatives, including a major recruiter named Ahmed Maleninin, according to a report by U.S. Africa Command.
Yemen’s Houthi Conflict
Far from U.S. borders, the U.S. carried out an attack against Houthi fighters in Yemen under “Operation Rough Riders.” This strike was a response to assaults on U.S. ships in the Red Sea. U.S. Central Command indicated that over 1,000 targets were hit, resulting in significant damage to Houthi forces. A ceasefire was eventually established, although clashes with foreign vessels persisted.
Targeting ISIS Leadership in Iraq
In March, a U.S. airstrike in Iraq’s al-Anbar province resulted in the death of an important ISIS figure, Abdallah Makki Musri al-Rifai.
Midnight Hammer Against Iran
From June 21 to 22, President Trump directed military strikes at three Iranian nuclear sites. Dubbed “Midnight Hammer,” B-2 bombers targeted these facilities with advanced weaponry, reportedly crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Although this led to a ceasefire with Israel, it sparked controversy, with critics accusing the administration of increasing regional tensions.
Counter-Narcotics Operations
Under Operation Southern Spear, the U.S. executed 33 strikes against drug traffickers’ vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Critics voiced strong disapproval of these actions, labeling them as excessive.
Operation Hawkeye in Syria
Following the deaths of two U.S. soldiers, Operation Hawkeye commenced on December 19, targeting over 70 ISIS sites with precision strikes. This operation led to the capture of numerous terrorist operatives and was described by officials as a direct response to previous attacks.
Christmas Strikes in Nigeria
On Christmas night, airstrikes were carried out against ISIS-affiliated forces in Nigeria, resulting in significant casualties among the terrorists—the aim here was to counter attacks against innocent civilians.
Military Actions in Venezuela
Following tensions with President Maduro, Trump suggested that the U.S. had targeted drug trafficking operations in Venezuela. In a recent statement, he discussed a major attack on drug-loading sites, claiming that the area had been effectively neutralized.
