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

U.S. military said Thursday no white phosphorus leaked at Osan Air Base in South Korea, after Pyeongtaek city had warned residents to evacuate. On July 28, Pyeongtaek City sent alerts advising shelter and skin protection, lifting them after U.S. decontamination. The U.S. investigation said crystallization and residue were non-hazardous surface corrosion from environmental exposure, with no injuries. White phosphorus burns intensely in munitions. The U.S. keeps about 28,500 troops in South Korea, and its presence has fueled anti-American sentiment; several students were recently detained after allegedly breaking into the base.