February 20, 2025

Somali Civil War (2009–present)
- Al-Shabaab insurgency in Somalia
  - Al-Shabaab launched a coordinated attack on four Somali military bases in Middle Shabelle, killing and wounding dozens of Somali National Army soldiers. The militant claimed responsibility, stating it had captured officers, military vehicles, weapons and ammunition. Somali authorities, however, said they repelled the attack, killing at least 130 militant fighters. Southern Somalia (Mepa News) Garowe Online)
Kivu conflict
- M23 campaign
  - 2025 Uvira offensive
    - At least 22 people are killed when a boat carrying people attempting to escape Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo across Lake Edward towards Uganda capsizes. Eight survivors are found by the local civil society. (AP)
War against the Islamic State
- Islamic State insurgency in Puntland
  - Puntland counter-terrorism operations
    - Puntland security forces, with air support from the United Arab Emirates, launch a major offensive in the Cal Miskaad mountains, killing at least 44 IS–Somalia militants and seizing control of the areas of Dhasaq, Qurac, and Damdamle, in Bari Region, Puntland, Somalia. (Garowe Online) (Hiiraan Online)
Gaza war
- 2025 Gaza war ceasefire, Gaza war hostage crisis
  - Hamas release the bodies of Shiri Bibas, Ariel Bibas, Kfir Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz, who were all kidnapped from their homes in Nir Oz kibbutz, Israel on October 7, 2023. (The Times of Israel)

Two women are killed in a stabbing attack at a shopping center in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. A 16-year-old boy is arrested. (AP)