NATO warplanes flew more than 35 000 combat missions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In air strikes, over 1 000 warplanes were used (among others the F-15, F-16, F-117, and the newest showpiece, the B-2 bomber, flying its first mission). Over 20,000 laser or satellite-guided weapons were  launched. More than 10 000 cruise missiles were launched and over 79 000 tons of explosives were dropped, including at least 152 containers with 35 450 cluster bombs, thermo-visual and graphite bombs which are prohibited under international conventions. Over 1,000 targets of no military significance were attacked (including the destruction of much of the country's industrial infrastructure, many schools, and hospitals). Two oil refineries, a petrochemical complex and a fertilizer plant outside Pancevo (near Belgrade) were targeted.  After the NATO bombs exploded, huge clouds of poisonous gas filled the sky, contaminating the air, water and soil.  NATO's actions clearly violated international laws and agreements, including the UN Charter, The Hague Conventions (1899 and 1907), the Geneva Conventions (1925 and 1949) and the Nuremberg Charter (1945).

In the Spanish paper Articulo 20 (June 14, 1999 edtion), a Spanish F-18 pilot who participated in the bombings, Captain Adolfo Luis Martin de la Hoz acknowledged NATO's deliberate attack on civilian targets: "Several times our colonel protested to NATO chiefs about why they select non-military targets.  There was a coded order from the North American military that we should drop anti-personnel bombs over Pristina and  Nis.  They are destroying the country, bombing it with novel weapons, toxic nerve gases, surface mines dropped by parachute, bombs containing [depleted] uranium, black napalm, sterilization chemicals, and sprays to poison crops."