On February 9, 1945, Allied forces launched a devastating bombing raid on the city of Dresden, Germany, during World War II. The attack, which involved hundreds of bombers dropping high-explosive bombs and incendiaries, created a firestorm that destroyed much of the city. Estimates of the death toll vary, but between 22,000 and 25,000 people were killed, many of them civilians. The bombing remains a controversial topic, with debates about its military necessity and the extent of civilian suffering. The destruction of Dresden has been regarded as one of the most destructive bombing raids of the war.