Italian army defuses 250 first world war explosives uncovered by melting Dolomites glaciers

Summary

The Italian army has removed and defused about 250 unexploded first world war munitions that emerged this summer from rapidly retreating glaciers in the Dolomites, according to a statement. The explosives had been encased in ice for more than 100 years and were found after hikers reported sightings. The devices included Italian artillery shells and French mortar bombs, and were handled by the army's Julia Alpine brigade.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   27 Oct 2026, 07:00 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that the Italian army removed and defused 250 first world war explosives, including Italian artillery shells and French mortar bombs, that emerged from rapidly retreating Dolomites glaciers this summer, according to a statement.