Unexploded WWII Bomb Safely Removed from Belgrade Construction Site

On December 28, 2025, a 470-kilogram (approximately 1,000-pound) World War II aerial bomb, specifically the U.S.-made AN-M44 model, was safely removed from a construction site in Belgrade, Serbia. This bomb was originally used during Allied air raids against German positions during the liberation of Belgrade from Nazi occupation in 1944. The removal operation was conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Sector for Emergency Situations, which undertook detailed reconnaissance to ensure safe conditions prior to the bomb's extraction.

The Straits TimesWJZ - CBS BaltimoreEVACUATION IN BELGRADE WATERFRONT: Half-Ton American WWII Bomb Found!

The bomb was located near residential areas and the Galerija Shopping Center, prompting authorities to advise local residents to evacuate their homes if possible. Residents were instructed to leave their apartments between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. on the day of the operation, and those unable to evacuate were advised to open windows and stay away from them. Vehicles parked in the vicinity were also required to be relocated by the evening prior to the operation.

EVACUATION IN BELGRADE WATERFRONT: Half-Ton American WWII Bomb Found!

The discovery of the AN-M44 bomb is part of a broader trend in Serbia, where unexploded ordnance from past conflicts continues to be found. In recent years, several such bombs have been safely removed from various locations in the country. Notably, in September 2024, a century-old artillery shell weighing nearly 300 kilograms was cleared from a site near the Serbian parliament. Additionally, in April 2024, a bomb from the 1999 NATO bombing campaign was discovered in Nis, southern Serbia.

The Straits TimesWJZ - CBS BaltimoreEVACUATION IN BELGRADE WATERFRONT: Half-Ton American WWII Bomb Found!

The Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasized the importance of public compliance with evacuation orders to ensure the operation's safety. They stated, "The site where the bomb was found will be secured at all times by the Belgrade City Police Department." The bomb was transported to an army arms training ground approximately 180 kilometers from Belgrade, where it is scheduled for destruction in the coming days.

The Straits Times

While the operation was executed without incident, concerns have been raised regarding the frequency of unexploded ordnance discoveries in urban areas. Critics argue that the presence of such munitions poses ongoing risks to public safety and highlight the need for more comprehensive clearance efforts in post-conflict regions.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

• “The site where the bomb was found will be secured at all times by the Belgrade City Police Department.” — Ministry of Internal Affairs

EVACUATION IN BELGRADE WATERFRONT: Half-Ton American WWII Bomb Found!

• “If leaving apartments is not feasible, residents are advised to open windows, lower blinds, and stay away from windows.” — Ministry of Internal Affairs

EVACUATION IN BELGRADE WATERFRONT: Half-Ton American WWII Bomb Found!

The safe removal of the AN-M44 bomb underscores the ongoing challenges posed by unexploded ordnance in Serbia. As authorities continue to manage these risks, the incident serves as a reminder of the lasting impacts of historical conflicts on contemporary urban environments.

The Straits Times