U.S. Air Force lifts alert after white phosphorus incident in S. Korea
· UPIJuly 28 (Asia Today) -- The U.S. Air Force said Tuesday that it had lifted all safety restrictions at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, after responding to an incident involving white phosphorus.
The 51st Fighter Wing, part of the U.S. 7th Air Force, said all operations at the base had returned to normal.
Authorities temporarily restricted access to an area extending about 300 meters, or 980 feet, from the base after receiving a report of a possible white phosphorus leak in Seotan Township.
The fighter wing said personnel conducting a routine ammunition inspection found residue inside a munitions container caused by crystallized white phosphorus.
White phosphorus is used in smoke-producing munitions and can ignite when exposed to air. It can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with skin.
The wing dispatched an explosive ordnance disposal team and immediately activated its multilayered safety procedures. The affected ammunition was secured and safely managed, the wing said.
Officials later lifted the restricted perimeter after bringing the situation fully under control.
No injuries were reported. The wing said the incident posed no danger to military personnel, their families or nearby residents.
"The safety of our airmen, their families and our neighbors in the Pyeongtaek community is our highest priority," 51st Fighter Wing Commander Col. Ryan Ley said.
Ley thanked the community for its patience and cooperation while trained personnel safely resolved the localized incident.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260728010010461