US military confirms no white phosphorus leak at Osan Air Base in South Korea

U.S. military confirmed Thursday no white phosphorus leak occurred at Osan Air Base in South Korea, following a local evacuation alert over suspected contamination. On July 28, Pyeongtaek city advised residents to evacuate after a routine munitions inspection found residue. The U.S. military said follow-up analysis concluded the material was non-hazardous surface corrosion from environmental exposure, and no injuries occurred. White phosphorus burns at extreme temperatures and is used in incendiary munitions. The U.S. keeps about 28,500 troops in South Korea; eight students were detained for breaking into the base in protest.