Global War on Terror (Other Operations)
2001–Present (25 years) · Global · Philippines, Pakistan, Kenya, Djibouti, Libya, Cameroon, Uganda, Mali, Tunisia
Beyond the major wars, the US conducts counterterrorism operations in at least 78 countries. Special Forces deployed to 149 countries (75% of the world). Includes training missions, intelligence operations, drone strikes, and special operations raids across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
$60B
Cost (2023 dollars)
50
US Deaths
500
Civilian Deaths
7,000
Troops Deployed
$6.6M
Cost Per Day
$1.2B
Cost Per US Death
10.0:1
Civilian:Military Death Ratio
Casualty Breakdown
Outcome
Ongoing
The "war on terror" has no defined enemy, no defined battlefield, and no defined end. After 25 years and trillions of dollars, terrorism still exists.
Congressional Authorization: ❌ No
All conducted under the 2001 AUMF — a 60-word authorization written in 3 days that has been used to justify military operations in at least 22 countries.
Key Events
- ▸2001 — 2001 AUMF passes — 60 words that authorized 25+ years of global war
- ▸2007 — AFRICOM established for Africa operations
- ▸2014 — US Special Forces in 149 countries (75% of the world)
- ▸2017 — Green Berets killed in Niger — public learns of African operations
- ▸2023 — Brown University estimates US counterterror in 78 countries
Objectives (Not Met / Partially Met)
- ❌Defeat terrorism globally
Perspective
Sixty words written in 3 days after 9/11 have been used to justify military operations in 22+ countries for over two decades. No sunset clause. No re-authorization required. The founders would be appalled.