U.S. military denies white phosphorus leak at South Korea air base
The U.S. military confirmed Thursday that investigations found no evidence of a white phosphorus leak at Osan Air Base in South Korea, reports BritPanorama.
Earlier in the week, the Pyeongtaek city government issued alerts urging residents to evacuate due to concerns of a leak, advising them to avoid exposure. This alert was prompted by initial reports suggesting harmful substances may have escaped from the military installation.
White phosphorus, known for its use in incendiary munitions, poses significant health risks, igniting at extremely high temperatures and causing severe burns. Its deployment has sparked considerable controversy and criticism over safety standards and environmental impact.
Officials later rescinded the evacuation order after the U.S. military completed decontamination procedures. Their communication came after discussions with local authorities and emergency response teams.
The military stated that residue discovered during a routine munitions inspection was non-hazardous and resulted from surface corrosion due to environmental exposure, not white phosphorus. No injuries were reported.
Col. Ryan Ley, commander of the 51st Fighter Wing, expressed gratitude for the cooperation between the military and local officials, emphasizing the importance of community safety. The U.S. maintains approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea as a deterrent against threats from North Korea.
The presence of U.S. forces in South Korea, compounded by incidents involving service members, has generated anti-American sentiments among segments of the local population, highlighting ongoing tensions. Recently, eight South Korean students were apprehended for allegedly trespassing at the Osan base while voicing opposition to the U.S. military’s activities.
