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Chancellor Merz’s Inaugural U.S. Visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to meet President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday, marking his first official visit to the United States since taking office. The meeting is anticipated to focus on strengthening transatlantic relations and addressing global security challenges. This visit underscores Germany’s commitment to reinforcing its strategic partnerships and engaging in high-level diplomatic dialogues.

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Cologne’s Largest Post-WWII Evacuation

In a separate development, Cologne is undergoing its most extensive evacuation since World War II due to the discovery of three unexploded American-made bombs. The bombs, two weighing 1,000 kg and one 500 kg, were found during construction work near the Deutz shipworks. Approximately 20,000 residents and workers have been evacuated from a 1,000-meter radius area, affecting key infrastructure, including three Rhine bridges, rail lines, schools, museums, tram routes, and broadcasting studios. The defusal operation is scheduled for Wednesday morning, following thorough checks by police and volunteers. (thesun.co.uk, theguardian.com)

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Ongoing Legacy of WWII in Germany

Cologne, one of the most bombed German cities during WWII, continues to uncover unexploded ordnance decades later. The city endured 262 air raids, including the massive Operation Millennium by the RAF in 1942, which dropped nearly 1,500 tons of explosives, resulting in significant civilian casualties. The discovery of these bombs highlights the enduring legacy of the war and the ongoing efforts required to ensure public safety.

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