US Military Confirms No White Phosphorus Leak at Osan Air Base, South Korea

The U.S. military said its investigation found no white phosphorus leak at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. The city government had sent text alerts on July 28 urging residents to evacuate and avoid skin exposure after a suspected leak was reported. After decontamination work, officials lifted the evacuation alert, stating the residue identified during a routine munitions inspection was non‑hazardous surface corrosion, not white phosphorus, and no injuries occurred.

Col. Ryan Ley, commander of the 51st Fighter Wing, thanked the city for its partnership in keeping the community safe. The incident occurred amid the presence of roughly 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea and follows earlier tensions, including the detention of eight South Korean students who broke into the base.