How many countries has the US bombed since 2001, and how much has it cost?

Al JazeeraEN 4 min read 100% complete by Marium AliMarch 3, 2026 at 04:29 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Since the 9/11 attacks, the United States has engaged in three full-scale wars and bombed at least 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Somalia, Libya, Syria, Venezuela, Nigeria and Iran. These military actions, initiated under the Bush administration's "war on terror" and continued under subsequent presidents, aimed to pursue US strategic interests. A Brown University study estimates that these US-led wars have directly caused approximately 940,000 deaths across various conflict zones. The financial cost of these conflicts is estimated at $5.8 trillion, encompassing Department of Defense spending, Homeland Security, increased DOD base budget, veterans' medical care, and interest payments. Future veterans' care is projected to add another $2.2 trillion, potentially bringing the total cost to $8 trillion.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Yemen ×250% Pakistan ×250% Syria ×250% Israel 50% Department of Defense (DOD) ×250% George W. Bush 50% September 11 attacks ×360% Afghanistan ×360% Iraq ×260% Iran ×270% Donald Trump ×270% United States ×1190%

Keywords

us bombing 90% military spending 80% us wars 80% military intervention 70% war on terror 70% 9/11 attacks 70% afghanistan war 60% foreign policy 60% casualties 50%