Wildfires across Europe detonate forgotten World War bombs


Scorched landscapes across Europe have exposed a potentially lethal threat lurking underground.

Rusted bombs and mines from the First and Second World Wars are now endangering emergency crews responding to wildfires across the continent.

High heat has caused several weapons to explode in France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. In the Dutch province of Limburg, a bomb disposal team was called out to inspect woodland near the site of heavy 1944 combat threatened by flames.

Read more…
Source: Independent


Sign up for the Counter-IED Report Newsletters
The latest news and insights delivered right to your inbox


Related:

  • Crimea: Four killed, 153 injured in Ukraine’s attack on Sevastopol

    June 24, 2024

    Four people died and 153 sought medical help after Ukraine’s aattack on Sevastopol, Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said, citing the final figures. On June 23, Ukraine attacked civilian infrastructure in Sevastopol using ATACMS tactical missiles equipped with cluster munitions. While four missiles were downed, a fifth exploded over the city. Read more… Source: TASS News Sign up for our ...

  • IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine – update 234

    June 23, 2024

    The city where most staff of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) live was left without electricity for 16 hours over the weekend after a second sub-station in the area sustained damage and was taken out of operation, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today. The IAEA team of ...

  • Russia: Twenty killed, 46 injured in terrorist attacks in Dagestan

    June 23, 2024

    Twenty people were killed and 26 were injured as a result of attacks in Makhachkala and Derbent in Dagestan. On Sunday, militants attacked two Russian Orthodox churches, two synagogues and a traffic police post in Derbent and Makhachkala. Read more… Source: TASS Sign up for our Newsletter Related:  

  • Montenegro: Explosion In Cetnje kills 2, seriously injures 3

    June 20, 2024

    An explosion in central Montenegro’s historical capital, Cetnje, on Thursday killed two people and seriously injured three others, police said. Police sealed off the area around the Cetinje town’s sports hall. They launched an investigation to find the type and cause of the explosion. The state RTCG television said it was a bomb, and suggested the ...

  • UK: Investigation into the finding of two grenade-type devices in Preston

    June 19, 2024

    Lancashire Constabulary investigation is continuing into the finding of two grenade-type devices in Preston. Police were called to Watling Street Road, Fulwood, at around 12.25pm yesterday (18th June) to a report that the devices had been found close to an address. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were called, a cordon established, and 69 properties were ...

  • Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention – Intersessional meeting – EU Statement on Victim Assistance

    June 18, 2024

    The European Union has been resolutely engaged in favour of mine victims and persons with disabilities through its policies and assistance, in particular in the implementation of the Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/257 which provides for national stakeholder dialogues to encourage parties responsible for the wellbeing of mine‐affected communities and survivors to better address the challenges ...

  • UK: Man denies making explosive device in shed

    June 18, 2024

    A man has appeared in court charged with making explosive substances. Harry Whittaker, 31, of Caddington, near Luton, Bedfordshire, denied three counts of unlawfully creating a “nitrate-based low-explosive composition such as the explosive substance black powder”. Appearing at the Old Bailey in London on Tuesday via video link, Mr Whittaker also pleaded not guilty to unlawfully ...

  • Ukraine: Bomb disposal experts defuse 250-kilogram air bomb in Donetsk Oblast

    June 18, 2024

    The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) bomb disposal experts have defused a 250 kg high-explosive air bomb that fell on the grounds of a household in Kostiantynivka, “A 250 kg high-explosive air bomb was removed by SES bomb disposal experts from a household in the city of Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast. Fortunately, the ordnance did not ...

  • UK: Controlled explosion after ‘mortar round’ found in Lincolnshire

    June 17, 2024

    A controlled explosion was due to be carried out following the discovery of what was believed to be a mortar round in a Lincolnshire village. The device was found in Caythorpe, near Sleaford, on Monday afternoon. Earlier, police set up a 100m (328ft) cordon and said the area was being evacuated. A bomb disposal team was ...

  • Czech Republic: Ammunition explosion kills one soldier, injures eight in Libava

    June 17, 2024

    An unspecified ammunition exploded in the Libavá military training area, which is located in the Olomouc Region, on Monday before noon. One person died, eight people were injured. The incident is being investigated by the Military Police. Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová (ODS) is heading to the scene. “Shortly after eleven o’clock in the morning, an ...

  • Spain: Menacing ISIS cell calling for attacks on Euros players busted after propaganda network spewing threats was unearthed

    June 17, 2024

    A sinister ISIS ring that called for attacks on Euro players has been snared after a major operation in Spain. Spanish cops uncovered a twisted propaganda network urging their followers to target Real Madrid football players. The extremist unit shared their sickening propaganda in a poster encouraging their followers to attack the footballers’ team bus. Read more… Source: ...

  • UK: Major delays at Birmingham Airport over 100ml liquid limit

    June 17, 2024

    New 3D scanners could spell the end of frustrating liquid limits at airports but there have been major delays in installing the new tech in the UK. The UK’s Birmingham Airport saw major delays this weekend amid confusion over new rules about liquids in hand luggage. Photos on social media showed queues that stretched outside of ...

  • UK: Unexploded bombs and mines could be detonated for wind farm work

    June 16, 2024

    Scores of unexploded Second World War bombs and mines off the Norfolk coast could have to be blown up to pave the way for a huge wind farm. Danish energy firm Ørsted wants to build its £8bn Hornsea 3 project in the North Sea, some 75 miles from Cromer – but needs to make sure there ...

  • The Netherlands: Explosion causes fire at a house in Uden

    June 16, 2024

    A fire broke out at a villa on the Heinsbergenstraat in Uden on Saturday night after something was thrown against the front door. Police are talking about a possible explosive liquid that caused the fire, but that is still under investigation. The fire broke out around a quarter past eleven in the evening. The resident tells ...

  • UK: Teen due to be sentenced for preparing synagogue terror attack

    June 14, 2024

    A Brighton teenager is due to be sentenced for creating a detailed plan to carry out a terror attack at a synagogue in Hove. Mason Reynolds, of Moulsecoomb Way, Brighton, was convicted by a jury of having an article connected with the preparation of an act of terrorism. The teenager had previously admitted five counts of ...