France detonates its first atomic bomb, codenamed "Gerboise Bleue" (Blue Jerboa),on February 13, 1960, in the Algerian Sahara desert near Reggane, making France the world's fourth nuclear power. It was followed by 16 other tests (1960–1966), leaving a lasting toxic and radioactive legacy.
The blast was significantly more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb, with a yield estimated around 70 kilotons. Radioactive fallout spread across the Sahara, with contaminants detected as far as Sicily. Long-term health issues were detected in the local population and exposed soldiers. The tests left behind a contaminated, radioactive area with long term effects.
