In the early hours of Sunday, authorities have announced that a large area near the village of Globoko will be strictly cordoned off due to the deactivation of a dangerous World War II-era bomb. The airspace above the region, including the nearby airport Lesce, will be closed during the operation, which is scheduled between 7 a.m. and approximately 1 p.m. Residents are advised to remain indoors, while access to the area will be prohibited for tourists, hikers, and others. Road and rail traffic will also be disrupted, with police confirming that emergency services will manage the situation with heightened caution. The bomb, identified as an AN64 model weighing around 250 kilograms, was discovered on August 27 in the riverbed of the Savinja River. It is believed to have been dropped by German forces during World War II, though its exact origin and deployment history remain under investigation. According to records, the bomb was initially neutralized by U.S. Air Force P-38 Lightning aircraft from the 71st Fighter Squadron of the 15th Air Force in April 1945. However, not all bombs were successfully detonated, with estimates suggesting that up to 10 percent failed to explode upon impact. The deactivation process involves multiple agencies working in coordination, including the Municipality of Radovljica, the Rescue and Protection Authority of Kranj, regional and local civil protection units, the State Unit for Protection Against Unexploded Munitions (NUS), the police, firefighters, and other stakeholders. The operation is being led by the head of the State Unit for Protection Against Unexploded Munitions, Darko Zonjič, who explained that the bomb has two mechanical fuses, one of which is damaged. As such, specialized equipment has been prepared to attempt its removal. If this proves unsuccessful, the bomb will be cut open, triggering the fuse, potentially leading to ignition or an explosion. To ensure public safety, evacuation zones have been established. A radius of 400 meters around the bomb’s location will be designated as an exclusion zone, with no residential buildings present in that area. Between 400 and 600 meters away, the areas of Globoko, Mišače, and Dobro Polje will be subject to restricted entry and movement, with vehicles and pedestrians barred from accessing the site. These measures are set to last from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with updates communicated via sirens and loudspeakers mounted on emergency vehicles by fire department personnel and local civil protection officials. The operation marks a complex and high-stakes effort to safely handle a historical weapon still posing a risk nearly eight decades after its initial deployment. The involvement of multiple agencies highlights the level of coordination required to address such threats, especially given the potential consequences of mishandling. With the bomb's position and condition confirmed, the focus remains on executing the deactivation process with precision and care, ensuring that the surrounding community remains protected throughout the procedure.
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