After the 1999 NATO bombing of the former Yugoslavia, Italian soldiers deployed to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping force are now facing a troubling health crisis. Dr. Rita Celli, an Italian physician, has observed a significantly higher incidence of cancer among these veterans compared to the general population.
“The numbers don’t lie,” says Dr. Celli. “These soldiers are suffering from cancers that are uncommon for their age group and health profiles.”
Blood and tissue tests conducted on the affected soldiers revealed alarming levels of heavy metals in their bodies, including traces found in brain tissue. Dr. Celli believes that these findings are linked to NATO’s use of depleted uranium munitions during the conflict.
Depleted uranium is a dense metal used in military armor and munitions. While it enhances the effectiveness of weapons, it can leave behind toxic residues. Exposure to these substances has long-term health implications, including the potential to cause cancer.
“We need to address this issue urgently,” urges Dr. Celli. “These soldiers served believing they were bringing peace, but now they are fighting a battle for their own health.”
The situation raises questions about the lasting impact of modern warfare on both combatants and civilians. As former conflict zones continue to recover, the hidden dangers lingering in the environment pose a threat that extends far beyond the battlefield.
