On a quiet Sunday, a chilling piece of history was unearthed in the southern Serbian city of Nis, where experts carefully removed a massive unexploded bomb left from the NATO bombings in 1999. This discovery prompted an urgent evacuation of over a thousand residents, a sobering reminder of the conflicts that once shook this region.
The bomb, weighing about 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilos), was found at a local construction site. Luka Causic, an official from the Serbian Interior Ministry, explained that the bomb is being moved to a secure location where it will be safely destroyed. "Ensuring the safety of our citizens is paramount. We have taken extensive measures to transport this bomb without any risks," Causic shared with reporters.
Before the bomb could be removed, around 1,300 people from the neighborhood were evacuated to safety, underscoring the serious danger it posed. The operation was supported by police, firefighters, and medical teams, all on standby to handle any emergencies.
This MK-84 bomb, notable for its large explosive charge of 430 kilograms, is a stark relic from a tumultuous era. The NATO campaign began on March 24, 1999, without the approval of the UN Security Council, aiming to end the harsh repression by Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic against ethnic Albanians fighting for independence in Kosovo.
The city of Nis has not been a stranger to such tragedy. One of the darkest days during the NATO campaign was May 7, 1999, when air strikes targeted a bustling outdoor market, resulting in the tragic deaths of more than a dozen innocent people. Described later as a "blunder," this incident, along with another round of bombings on May 12 that killed 11 civilians, has left deep scars in the community.
The recent removal of this unexploded bomb is a poignant reminder of the lasting impacts of war and the importance of addressing these remnants to safeguard the future. These efforts are vital for healing and rebuilding, as each step taken to clear away the remnants of conflict helps pave the way toward lasting peace and stability.
As Serbia continues to recover and move forward, the international community watches and supports these endeavors, hopeful that such actions will strengthen the foundations for a stable and prosperous Balkans.
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