MOSCOW, November 28 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will continue mine clearing operations in Serbia until 2012 as part of humanitarian aid to the country, which was heavily bombed by NATO warplanes in 1999, the Russian Emergencies Ministry said on Friday.

During the Western military alliance's bombing of the former Yugoslavia, which forced Serbia to withdraw its troops from Kosovo, cluster bombs were frequently used on the south Serbian city of Nis. Unexploded bombs from the war have yet to be disabled in several areas of Serbia.

Russia sent 60 explosives experts in July to Serbia to provide assistance in demining its territory.

The work around the city of Nis began on August 1, and the Russian sappers have so far disabled at least 260 explosive devices in the area.

"We will finish the first part of the humanitarian operation - work to clear the territory of an airfield near the city of Nis and the adjacent area - in two weeks," said Yury Brazhnikov, head of the international operations department at the ministry.

"We will then begin the second part of the operation, which will extend to other areas and facilities, primarily in the oil and gas industry, and will last until 2012," he added.