By Basant El-Faramawy
Hundreds of World War I-era bombs, grenades and artillery shells have been uncovered by melting ice in Italy’s Dolomite mountains, the Italian army reported. The ordnance dates back to the White War fought between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces from 1915 to 1918.
Hundreds of munitions uncovered
The latest discoveries were made in September after sustained glacial melt, following an even larger cache found over the summer. More than 200 items were recovered from areas including Care Alto, Vedretta di Lares, Val Martello, the Stelvio area, Cima Tre Cannoni and the edges of the Livrio glacier.
White War legacy
The White War was fought in freezing, rugged mountain terrain where troops endured extreme cold and dug into defensive positions amid snow-covered peaks and glaciers. More than a century later, retreating glaciers are exposing unexploded ordnance that poses a danger to mountaineers, hikers and tourists.
Ongoing clearance operations
Italian army officials said the complex operations, carried out on steep slopes and high-altitude terrain, require specialized expertise. The campaign aims to eliminate hidden dangers and make mountain trails safer for visitors. Searches continue across Trentino-Alto Adige as melting ice reveals further wartime remains.
Climate change impact
Officials warned that as climate change further melts the Dolomites glaciers, more of the White War’s dangerous legacy will emerge. The risks are not always immediately visible and tend to increase with altitude.
