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Top 20 Shortest Wars and Conflicts in History
1. Anglo-Zanzibar War — 38 Minutes
Fought on August 27, 1896, the Anglo-Zanzibar War stands as the shortest recorded military conflict in history. When tensions escalated between the British Empire and the Sultanate of Zanzibar, the British navy swiftly responded to the Sultan’s refusal to accept a British candidate as the new Sultan. The war lasted just 38 minutes before Zanzibar surrendered, marking a quick and definitive British victory. This brief clash highlights how diplomacy can sometimes be overtaken by military action within moments.
2. U.S. Invasion of Venezuela — Approximately 2 Hours, 28 Minutes
Taking place on January 3, 2026, the United States launched a covert operation into Venezuela that lasted just under three hours. Although details remain classified, this swift invasion was marked by rapid aerial and ground assaults targeting key government installations. The operation was over before most had noticed it, demonstrating how modern military technology allows for lightning-fast strikes with minimal duration.
3. German Invasion of Denmark — 6 Hours
During World War II, on April 9, 1940, Nazi Germany invaded Denmark in a surprise attack that lasted only six hours. Despite Denmark’s robust defenses, German forces achieved quick control through coordinated air and land assaults. The invasion facilitated Germany’s strategic position in Scandinavia, and its rapid execution is studied extensively in modern military tactics.
4. Invasion of Anjouan — 7 Hours
In the Muslim-majority Comoros islands, specifically Anjouan, military forces invaded on March 25, 2008. The operation was over within seven hours as government forces swiftly suppressed local resistance. This conflict underscores how regional power plays can result in swift, targeted military interventions.
5. Nagorno-Karabakh Clashes — 23 Hours, 43 Minutes
The escalating conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh flared up on September 19, 2023, lasting nearly a full day. Intense artillery, drone strikes, and ground combat characterized the clashes, which ended in just under 24 hours. Diplomatic efforts commenced immediately afterward to halt further violence, emphasizing how quick a localized conflict can ignite international concern.
6. German Invasion of Luxembourg — Less Than 24 Hours
On May 10, 1940, during the early days of World War II, German forces attacked Luxembourg in under a day. The Blitzkrieg tactics resulted in rapid occupation, aiding the broader German strategy for the invasion of France. The swift conquest exemplifies modern warfare’s emphasis on speed and precision.
7. Wagner Group Rebellion — 1 Day
In June 2023, the Wagner Group, a private military company, temporarily rebelled against the Russian government. The rebellion lasted only 24 hours before negotiations and military interventions restored order. The quick turn of events highlighted the fragile balance of power within Russia’s security landscape.
8. Football War — 4 Days
Between El Salvador and Honduras, the Football War erupted in July 1969 following tense qualification matches. Despite its name, the conflict involved fierce border skirmishes, culminating in a declaration of war lasting four days. Diplomatic negotiations ended hostilities, but the episode revealed how sporting rivalries can escalate into violent conflicts.
9. Rwandan-Ugandan War — 5 Days
In June 2000, a brief border conflict broke out between Rwanda and Uganda. Over five days, fighting primarily involved border patrols and small-scale engagements. The war was resolved through diplomatic channels, demonstrating how limited conflicts can flare and then quickly de-escalate.
10. Six-Day War — 6 Days
In June 1967, Israel fought against neighboring Arab states in the Six-Day War. Despite its brief duration, the war had lasting geopolitical implications, including territorial changes and shifts in regional power balances. It remains one of the most studied short conflicts in modern history.
11. German Invasion of the Netherlands — One Week
From May 10 to 17, 1940, Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands. The swift campaign involved intense aerial bombings followed by ground invasion, resulting in German occupation within a week. Its rapid tempo exemplifies blitzkrieg tactics in early World War II.
12. Russo-Georgian War — 1 Week, 4 Days
In August 2008, Russia engaged in a brief war with Georgia over South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Lasting just over a week, the conflict involved heavy military operations with significant Russian advances, illustrating the speed at which modern regional conflicts can unfold.
13. Iran–Israel Conflict — 1 Week, 5 Days (2025)
In June 2025, escalating tensions culminated in a series of military strikes between Iran and Israel that persisted for over ten days. The conflict involved missile exchanges, air assaults, and cyber warfare, exemplifying how regional tensions can flare rapidly in the age of advanced technology.
14. Indo-Pakistani War (1971) — Nearly 2 Weeks
From December 3 to 16, 1971, India and Pakistan engaged in a brief but intense conflict centered around the independence movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The war resulted in the creation of Bangladesh and was noted for its rapid military campaigns.
15. Serbo-Bulgarian War — Two Weeks
In late 1885, Serbia and Bulgaria clashed over territorial disputes, with hostilities lasting approximately two weeks before diplomatic resolutions were reached. This short conflict was a precursor to larger regional upheavals in the Balkans.
16. German Invasion of Belgium — Over 2 Weeks
May 10 to 28, 1940, German forces invaded Belgium, aiming to outflank Allied defenses. The campaign lasted over two weeks before Belgium’s surrender, exemplifying the swift movement characteristic of early WWII Blitzkrieg strategies.
17. Turkish-Cypriot War — Over a Month
Between July 20 and August 18, 1974, Turkish and Cypriot forces engaged in a conflict following a coup in Cyprus. The fighting lasted a little over four weeks, resulting in the division of the island, a situation that persists today.
18. Austro-Prussian War — About 1 Month, 1 Week
From June 14 to July 22, 1866, Austria and Prussia fought over dominance in Germany. The war’s swift resolution marked a significant turning point in German unification, with Prussia emerging as the dominant power.
19. Spanish-American War — Over 3 Months
April 21 to August 13, 1898, the United States fought Spain in a conflict over Cuba and Puerto Rico. Lasting just over three months, the war resulted in American control over Spanish colonies in the Caribbean and Pacific.
20. Falklands War — Over 2 Months
From April 2 to June 14, 1982, Britain and Argentina clashed over the Falkland Islands. The brief but intense war lasted over two months and concluded with British victory, reasserting control over the territory.
Note: The durations listed are based on historical timelines and records. Some conflicts, although militarily brief, involved protracted political processes afterward. These conflicts demonstrate how modern and historical warfare can sometimes be resolved in surprisingly short periods, reshaping regional and global landscapes swiftly.
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