Serbia year 1999 stamps – NATO bombing bridges in Serbia

Serbia year 1999 stamps – NATO bombing bridges in Serbia

During the Kosovo War in 1999, NATO launched a military campaign against Yugoslavia (which at the time included Serbia and Montenegro) to halt the ethnic cleansing of Albanians in Kosovo. As part of this campaign, NATO forces targeted various strategic sites, including bridges, to disrupt Yugoslavia’s infrastructure and military capabilities.

The NATO bombing campaign against bridges in Serbia aimed to hamper the movement of Yugoslav military forces and equipment, as well as to limit the government’s ability to transport supplies and reinforce troops in Kosovo. Several bridges across Serbia were targeted and destroyed or severely damaged during the airstrikes.

One of the most notable incidents was the bombing of the Varvarin Bridge on May 30, 1999. NATO aircraft struck the bridge while it was crowded with civilians celebrating a religious holiday, resulting in numerous casualties. The attack on the Varvarin Bridge drew international condemnation and raised questions about NATO’s targeting practices during the conflict.

The NATO bombing campaign in 1999 lasted for approximately 78 days and ended with the withdrawal of Yugoslav forces from Kosovo, followed by the deployment of NATO peacekeeping troops in the region. The conflict had significant humanitarian consequences, including civilian casualties and the displacement of thousands of people.