In a proxy war at least one of the major powers avoid direct...

In a proxy war at least one of the major powers avoid direct military confrontation and instead support combatants that share their geopolitical interests. This can involve providing arms, training, funding, logistical support and other forms of material assistance to the proxy forces.

Some key features of proxy wars include:

• They allow major powers to pursue strategic interests abroad while minimizing the risks of a full-scale conventional war between them.
• The external power can deny direct involvement and try to avoid escalating tensions that could lead to a larger direct conflict.
• They are a way for major powers to project influence in regions of strategic interest without deploying their own military forces.
• Proxy forces can include state militaries, paramilitary groups, rebel movements or other irregular fighters sponsored by external parties.

Notable examples of proxy wars include the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, where the U.S. backed Afghan mujahideen fighters, and the ongoing civil war in Yemen where a Saudi-led coalition has backed the Yemeni government while Iran has backed the Houthi rebels.