WWII Bomb in Glyfada successfully defused

Experienced officers of the Land Mine Clearance Battalion (LAND Clearance Battalion) neutralized a 500-lb WWII bomb found in Glyfada suburb of southern Athens on Thursday morning.

At 10:15 on Thursday morning, with the use of thermite bomb was successfully defused without requiring an explosion.the neutralization of the World War II bomb. The whole procedure lasted 1.5 hour.

For security reasons, it was decided not to move the bomb and a special operation was planned for the on-site neutralization of the munitions.

The 226 kg bomb was found during construction work at the old Elliniko airport, the site of a major property development project on Wednesday.

The bomb will be transferred to a firing range.

Police had closed to traffic a part of Posidonos Avenue, while four apartment buildings were evacuated at 9 a.m.

Posidonos Avenue was given back to traffic after the procedure concluded.

During the World War II, the area of Glyfada was reportedly often the target of bombing by German and Italian aircraft, as the airport of Hassani – as the area was then called- operated in the area.

The target of the bombers was also the beach of Asteras Glyfada. In contrast, the Gulf area was spared as it was used by the Germans to hide vehicles and ammunition.