Germany: Authorities disposing of unexploded WWII ordnance in Cologne Nov. 26

Authorities have launched an operation to dispose of an unexploded World War II bomb near Alfred-Schutte Street in Cologne on Nov. 26. Officials have established a 300 meters (328 yards) cordon north, east, and south, of the location of the device, as well as a 600 meters (656 yards) cordon west of the unexploded ordnance location. Officials evacuated around 260 residents within this area. Railway travel on the Southern Bridge will be suspended until the end of the operations. Road and river traffic will also continue to be restricted in the evacuation radius. The intended duration of the operation was not immediately clear.

Heightened security will likely continue in the affected area over the coming hours. Associated localized road, rail, and river travel disruptions are probable. The railway station closure will likely prompt significant train disruptions via Ulm.