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U.S. Military Calls Osan White-Phosphorus Leak False Alarm

8/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. military announced the suspected white-phosphorus leak at Osan Air Base was a false alarm because the residue was non-hazardous.
Inspectors found residue at 5:07 p.m. on July 28, 2026, triggering a 6:13 p.m. SMS evacuation alert for Seotan-myeon and a 300-meter cordon.
The investigation reported no injuries and confirmed the material contained no white phosphorus.
Col. Ryan Ley thanked Pyeongtaek city while U.S. Forces Korea dismissed fears, saying the substance was surface corrosion.

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Story summary

U.S. military announced the suspected white-phosphorus leak at Osan Air Base was a false alarm because the residue was non-hazardous.
Inspectors found residue at 5:07 p.m. on July 28, 2026, triggering a 6:13 p.m. SMS evacuation alert for Seotan-myeon and a 300-meter cordon.
The investigation reported no injuries and confirmed the material contained no white phosphorus.
Col. Ryan Ley thanked Pyeongtaek city while U.S. Forces Korea dismissed fears, saying the substance was surface corrosion.