US military says there was no white phosphorus leak at its air base in South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The U.S. military said Thursday its investigations confirmed there were no white phosphorus leak at one of its air bases in South Korea, days after local authorities urged residents to evacuate over concerns about a suspected leak. White phosphorus is a controversial chemical substance used in incendiary munitions and smoke shells. They said their earlier text messages were issued following consultations with the U.S. military and South Korean police and emergency offices. The United States deploys about 28,500 troops in South Korea as deterrence against potential aggressions from North Korea. The U.S. military presence, along with crimes involving U.S. service members and U.S. role in South Korea’s tumultuous modern history, has been a source of anti-American sentiments among many in South Korea.