World most violent it has been in decades
Last year, varying levels of conflict were reported across at least 50 different countries, from the civil war in Myanmar to extreme violence between drug cartels in Mexico, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED).
Experts predict that the trend will probably continue throughout 2025 and beyond.
Across the 50 countries, there were at least 56 active conflicts – one of the largest quantities since 1946 – 'with fewer conflicts being resolved, either militarily or through peace agreements', the Global Peace Index estimated.
'The level of violence happening is certainly at one of its highs since the Second World War,' said Clionadh Raleigh, the founder and director of ACLED.
The only year to exceed 56 was 2023, which recorded 59 armed conflicts, according to certain estimates.
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