US regains control of one of the entrances to South Korea’s Osan base.
The decision comes after the U.S. military complained about the search and seizure of documents by the Special Investigation Team into the failed attempt by former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to declare martial law.
The operation took place in July at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, 65 kilometers south of Seoul.
Currently, U.S. forces control two of the three active entrances to Osan Air Base, which, in addition to hosting U.S. troops, also hosts key South Korean air force facilities, including an air operations center and a radar command and control center.
According to the new plan, starting next month (January), South Korean forces will only be able to enter the third gate with U.S.-approved identification cards. Currently, South Korean soldiers can pass through this gate with cards issued by their own government.
Meanwhile, the US 51st Fighter Wing confirmed the changes, stating: “Base entry requirements have recently been updated and all changes have been made in full coordination with the Republic of Korea Air Force. Securing Osan Base is a priority for us, and these changes will strengthen our cooperation and coordination with the Korean side.”