On July 25, a low-level white phosphorus leak occurred at a US Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, prompting authorities to issue a brief evacuation warning.
According to information from US Forces Korea (USFK), the incident was detected within the base and immediately addressed. White phosphorus is a highly flammable chemical commonly used in military applications for smoke or incendiary munitions, capable of causing severe burns upon skin contact.
US and South Korean officials stated that the leak was very minor and posed no significant danger to soldiers or nearby residents. The evacuation alert lasted only a short time, after which all base activities returned to normal.
Pyeongtaek, located about 70 km south of the capital Seoul, hosts the main USFK base. The incident is currently under further investigation to determine its specific cause.
