Trump’s 2025-2026 strikes span seven countries from Venezuela to Somalia, raising questions about US foreign policy promises vs military reality.
US airstrikes hit multiple countries in 2025-2026 under Trump, from Venezuela docks to ISIL positions in Iraq and Syria (Photo: File)
Since returning to the White House in January 2025, President Donald Trump has significantly increased the US military footprint abroad. Despite promising peace and limited foreign intervention, the Trump administration has carried out over 600 overseas strikes this year, spanning Africa, the Middle East and South America.
Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) indicates US forces have executed or partnered in 622 air and drone strikes across seven countries in 2025.
These countries include with operations targeting both terrorist organizations and controversially, state linked activities.
On December 25, the US launched strikes in Northwest Nigeria targeting ISIL affiliated groups in Sokoto State. The operation, timed around Christmas aimed to counter insurgents in forested areas and was framed by Trump and allies as protecting Nigerian Christians, though Nigerian officials stressed the campaign addressed broader security concerns.
Somalia faced intensified air attacks this year, primarily against al-Shabab and ISIS-Somalia. Reports suggest at least 111 strikes occurred in 2025, marking a spike compared to previous years. Civilian casualties have been reported including children, highlighting the challenges of precision targeting in conflict zones.
In March, US aircraft targeted al-Anbar province, killing ISIL deputy leader Abdallah “Abu Khadijah” Muslih al-Rifai. The strikes were coordinated with Iraqi intelligence and celebrated by Trump as “peace through strength,” reflecting his administration’s framing of counterterrorism efforts.
US forces struck 70 ISIL positions in Syria on December 19 in retaliation for attacks that killed two Americans. The strikes damaged weapons storage facilities and reinforced US commitment to countering ISIL remnants, even as the Syrian conflict remains complex and ongoing.
During brief hostilities with Israel, the US conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities in June, targeting Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. Trump described the strikes as necessary to delay Iran’s nuclear program and threatened further action if Tehran resumed sensitive activities.
The US confirmed strikes on a Venezuelan docking facility, part of a campaign against boats alleged to be smuggling drugs. Operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific have killed dozens, sparking criticism from Caracas, which views the actions as a cover for political intervention.
Under Operation Rough Rider, the US targeted Houthi positions in Yemen starting in January 2025, citing attacks on Israeli linked vessels. Strikes destroyed infrastructure and resulted in hundreds of casualties including civilians, before a truce brokered by Oman ended operations in May.
Trump has long presented himself as an advocate for ending endless wars. He criticized past interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan, promising an “America First” foreign policy. Yet his second term demonstrates a willingness to employ military force selectively while framing these actions as defensive or counterterrorism operations.
