This thread is rather Forgotten wars, rather then Unknown ones. A unknown war to most people, is the Alaskan Submersible conflict of the 1970's. The Russians and Americans fought head to head in covert Naval battles, and were raiding each others oil refineries on the coasts. Thats why there was such a huge garrison in the North Pole at the time.
Another war not spoken of much, is the Columbian Paramilitary conflicts. Columbia is split between the corrupt government, Private Military companies and Paramilitaries, Geurilla's, and Gangs, as well as Hitman and Assasain groups. All of these groups wage war in Columbia, and alot of it is tied to the Drug trade.
A war well known in the Caribbean, and of which concerns the now ruined nation of Haiti, is the Haitian wars. I personally fought in this war, and my nation, Dominican Republic, is part of the reason why Haiti is so ravaged before the Earthqauke. Not to mention, Cuba, Peru, and other nations sent forces there too.
Another war, which is starting to be forgotten by American's, yet they're nation fought in it, is the Gulf War. Thankfully its not totalyl forgotten, but alot of younger generations are forgetting a war that happened nearly 20 years ago.
A almsot completely unknown war, say despite some old gritheads in Japan, who descend from these men, are the Forienger Immersion wars of the 16th century in Japan. Japan had numerous Portegeuse, Dutch, and Spanish explorer's, Pirates, and Navymen come onto its shores. Many of the Japanese Warlords fought agaisnt them for at least 3 years. This is why they never tried to forcefully settle in Japan.
Another war thats not well known anymore, is the Akkad wars in Afghanistan. close to 3000 BCE, or a little bit before, A empire called Akkad was stationed in Modern Afghanistan. However, numerous tribes fought them, and the empire collasped. The Empire spanned for at least 200 years.
The Battle of James the Shit in Ireland (no Joke this is its actual name given by the Irish.
King James of England, in the late 16th century, a prominent catholic monarch in England, was driven out by Oliver Cromwell. He rallied the Scots and English and Welsh Protestants, and they headed to ireland, where James took refuge. James setup a defence in a barnyard with a river, and the irish defending him were MAssacared. This is why James the IV of England/Scotland is called James the Shit by the Irish.
The Chilean wars of the 1880's. Peru and Chile fought over many Coal deposits, and there was a famous Sea battle. The commander of one of the Chilean ships, jumped on board onto the Peruvian Ironclads, and almsot single handedly took it. However, he was killed by Cannon fire. This hero is commemorated as a Chilean national hero now.
The Gang wars of 1860's NEw York. Although made now into a movie recently (2001) Gangs of New York. The wars were based on Irish immigrants forming gangs, and fighting against Anti Immigrant groups. Notable leaders were Bill the Butcher,from the confederation fo American Natives( he was white) a American gangster of the time, Priest vallon of the Irish clan the Dead Rabbits.
This was during the civil war, and there was huge riots as well.
