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A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. / Combined Forces Command

The 51st Fighter Wing of the U.S. Seventh Air Force, stationed at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, announced on July 28, "All base operations have now resumed as normal."

Earlier that day, a report was received regarding a white phosphorus leak at Osan Air Base in Seotan-myeon, Pyeongtaek, leading to a brief commotion where a radius of approximately 300 meters from the unit was cordoned off.

The U.S. 51st Fighter Wing explained that during routine ammunition inspections, crystallization of white phosphorus was identified, leaving residue inside an ammunition box. White phosphorus is used as a filling agent for artillery smoke rounds and possesses an incendiary effect that burns upon contact. It is so dangerous that if it touches human skin, it penetrates until combustion ceases.

The U.S. 51st Fighter Wing stated that it dispatched an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to immediately activate the base's multi-layered safety response procedures and safely managed the ammunition in question. The current situation has been completely brought under control, and the perimeter cordon has been lifted. The U.S. 51st Fighter Wing noted that no casualties occurred from the incident, and there is no danger to service members and their families on and off the base, or to local residents.

Colonel Ryan Ley, commander of the U.S. 51st Fighter Wing, stated, "The safety of our service members, their families, and our neighbors in the Pyeongtaek community is our top priority," adding, "We are deeply grateful for everyone's patience and cooperation while our highly trained personnel safely resolved this localized situation."

                                                                                                            Ji Hwan-hyuk