At around 5 p.m. local time (11 a.m. Lithuanian time), after detecting a leak at the Osan air base, Pyeongtaek city officials urged nearby civilians to move to a safe place and avoid contact with unknown substances on the skin.
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After a few hours, upon completion of the decontamination work, the evacuation order was lifted, according to SMS messages sent by the city.
It is reported that the police, using vehicles, established a safety zone with a radius of 300–500 meters around the base, blocking pedestrian access and redirecting vehicles to other routes.
No major disruptions or accidents have been reported so far.
The U.S. 51st Fighter Wing did not mention the white phosphorus leak in its statement but indicated that “due to an unforeseen issue on the ground and out of an abundance of caution,” it established a 300-meter safety zone around the base to protect the base and local residents.
It also stated that reports of a general air base evacuation are false.
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“We are addressing this matter as carefully and promptly as possible,” the statement said. “The safety and well-being of our troops, their families, and our neighbors in Pyeongtaek remain our absolute priority.”
U.S. forces in South Korea have not provided any additional comments on the incident.
White phosphorus is a controversial chemical substance used in incendiary munitions and smoke grenades. When ignited, it can burn at extremely high temperatures and can ignite buildings and burn human flesh down to the bone.
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