Belgrade WWII bomb safely removed after 80 years underground

The bomb is a US-made AN-M44 device left behind from Allied air raids in 1944

Last updated: December 29, 2025 | 11:40

Devadasan K P, Chief Visual Editor

1 MIN READ

Dubai: A 470-kilogram unexploded World War II bomb has been safely removed from a construction site in the wider central area of Belgrade, Serbian authorities confirmed. The bomb, identified as a US-made AN-M44 aerial device, dates back to Allied air raids carried out over the city in 1944.

Specialist teams carefully secured the area before transporting the bomb under strict safety measures to a military training ground around 180 kilometres from the capital. Officials said the device will be destroyed in a controlled operation, posing no further risk to the public.

No injuries were reported, and the operation was completed without incident. Temporary traffic restrictions were put in place during the removal to ensure safety.

Serbia continues to uncover unexploded ordnance from past conflicts, particularly during construction and infrastructure projects. Authorities have stressed that such discoveries are handled in accordance with established protocols, with all recent finds successfully removed and neutralised.

Video and inputs from AFP

Also In This Package

Radioactive wasp nest found at former nuclear bomb site

Radioactive wasp nest found at site where US once made nuclear bombs

Services resume at Paris station after WW2 bomb defused

Trains back to normal at Paris Gare du Nord after WWII bomb defused

Devadasan K PChief Visual Editor

Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 26 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct. Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya. His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011. He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox

Up Next