For the past quarter-century, the United States has maintained a consistent military presence involving aerial bombardment in various countries as part of its post-9/11 counter-terrorism strategy. This period, frequently referred to as the 'war on terror,' has seen U.S. forces engage in combat operations annually since 2001.

Al Jazeera’s report utilizes data visualization to map these military engagements, highlighting the longevity and breadth of the campaign. The outlet characterizes the term 'war on terror' as a 'so-called' designation, signaling a critical stance toward the official nomenclature used by the U.S. government. While the report focuses on the frequency and geographic reach of these strikes, it does not provide a comprehensive breakdown of the specific strategic objectives or the varying geopolitical contexts of each individual conflict zone. The data presented emphasizes the continuity of U.S. military activity, suggesting that the operations have become a permanent fixture of international policy rather than a temporary response to the 2001 attacks. Because this report relies on a singular analytical perspective, it does not incorporate official U.S. military justifications or alternative assessments regarding the efficacy of these operations in preventing further terrorist activity.