Serbian police announced the removal of a 470-kilogram aerial bomb from World War II from a construction workshop in the center of the capital, Belgrade.
This American-made AN-M44 type bomb was used during Allied air raids on German positions during the liberation of Belgrade from Nazi occupation in 1944.
Prior to the bomb’s removal, the workshop, located near a residential area and a shopping center, underwent a detailed reconnaissance operation “to ensure safe conditions.” Residents of the area were asked to leave their homes and move their cars if possible.
The Army to Dismantle the Bomb Soon
The bomb was transported to an army training center 180 kilometers from Belgrade, where it will be dismantled in the coming days.
In recent years, several unexploded bombs from past wars have been found in Serbia, all of which were safely removed without detonating. In September 2024, a 100-year-old artillery shell weighing about 300 kilograms was removed from a construction workshop near the Serbian parliament in Belgrade.
Earlier this year, a large bomb from the NATO bombing campaign was found in southern Serbia. In 2021, a 242-kilogram World War II bomb was removed from a workshop in a Belgrade suburb.
Serbia
Serbia is a country in the Balkans with a rich history as a medieval kingdom and a central part of the former Yugoslavia. Its cultural sites include the stunning Studenica Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 12th century, and the historic Belgrade Fortress, which overlooks the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers.
Belgrade
Belgrade is the capital of Serbia, situated at the strategic confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Its history is marked by numerous conflicts and changes of rule, having been fought over in 115 wars and razed to the ground 44 times since ancient times when it was a key Roman settlement. Today, it is a vibrant European city where its turbulent past is visible in landmarks like the Belgrade Fortress.
World War II
World War II was a global conflict from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world’s nations split into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. It was the deadliest war in history, marked by significant events like the Holocaust and the use of nuclear weapons, and it fundamentally reshaped the global political order.
AN-M44
AN-M44 is a designation for a specific type of World War II-era concrete bunker, part of the German Atlantic Wall fortifications built along the coast of occupied Europe. These bunkers were constructed between 1942 and 1944 to defend against an anticipated Allied invasion.
Nazi
The term “Nazi” refers to the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, which was the far-right political party led by Adolf Hitler that ruled Germany from 1933 to 1945. Its ideology was based on extreme nationalism, racial antisemitism, and aggressive expansionism, leading to World War II and the Holocaust.
Allied
The Allied refers to the coalition of countries, primarily led by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union, that opposed the Axis powers during World War II. This alliance was formally established through declarations like the Atlantic Charter and solidified with the creation of the United Nations Declaration in 1942.
German
Germany is a country in Central Europe with a rich and complex history, having been a collection of states until unification in 1871. It is known for its profound cultural contributions in philosophy, music, and science, as well as for the pivotal and sobering historical events of the 20th century, including the Nazi era and the post-war division and subsequent reunification. Today, it is a leading economic power and a key member of the European Union.
Serbian parliament
The Serbian Parliament, officially known as the National Assembly of Serbia, is the country’s unicameral legislative body. Its history dates back to the early 19th century, with the first assembly convened during the Serbian Revolution in 1811. The current parliament building in downtown Belgrade was completed in 1936 and serves as a central institution in Serbia’s modern democratic governance.
NATO
NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance established in 1949 by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Its foundational principle is Article 5, which states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Following the Cold War, NATO has expanded eastward and adapted its missions to include crisis management and counter-terrorism operations.
army training center
An army training center is a military facility designed to prepare soldiers for service through physical, tactical, and technical instruction. Historically, such centers have evolved from basic drill grounds to complex institutions incorporating modern warfare technology and specialized programs. Their development often reflects the changing strategic needs and military doctrines of the nations they serve.
