Thousands Evacuated as 1,000-kg NATO Bomb Removed from Serbian City
In a significant operation, experts successfully removed a 1,000-kilogram (2,200-pound) bomb from a construction site in the neighborhood of Nis, a southern Serbian city. The bomb, a remnant from the 1999 NATO bombing of the country, prompted the evacuation of over a thousand residents, ensuring their safety.
Safely Removing the Bomb
After careful planning and execution, the bomb was safely removed and is now being transported to a secure location where it will be destroyed. The interior ministry official, Luka Causic, confirmed the successful removal and stated, “It is being transported to a safe location where it will be destroyed.”
Prior to the removal operation, 1,300 residents from the area where the bomb was found were evacuated to ensure their safety. The authorities had a strong presence of police, firefighters, and medical teams to guarantee the safe transportation of the bomb.
A Remnant of the NATO Bombing
The MK-84 bomb, weighing 1,000 kilograms, had an explosive charge of 430 kilograms. This bomb was a part of the NATO bombing campaign that began on March 24, 1999, without the approval of the UN Security Council. The campaign lasted for 78 days and aimed to put an end to Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic’s brutal crackdown on ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo.
During the NATO campaign, Nis experienced one of the bloodiest incidents on May 7, 1999, when NATO planes dropped cluster bombs on a crowded central outdoor market, resulting in the deaths of more than a dozen people. This incident was later acknowledged as a “blunder.” The city faced another bombing on May 12, 1999, with cluster bombs claiming the lives of 11 civilians.
The successful removal of the 1,000-kilogram NATO bomb from Nis brings relief to the residents who have lived with the constant threat posed by this unexploded ordinance. The evacuation and safe disposal of the bomb demonstrate the commitment of the authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
It is crucial to recognize the efforts of the experts, police, firefighters, and medical teams involved in the operation. Their expertise and dedication have resulted in the successful removal and safe transport of the bomb, mitigating any potential harm it could have caused.
As a nation rebuilds and moves forward, it is essential to remember the impact of past conflicts and the remnants they leave behind. The removal of this bomb serves as a reminder of the lasting consequences of war and the importance of continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of communities.
By successfully removing this 1,000-kilogram NATO bomb, the authorities have taken a significant step towards creating a safer environment for the residents of Nis. This operation showcases the importance of ongoing efforts to identify and remove unexploded ordnance, reducing the risks associated with past conflicts and ensuring the well-being of the community.
