“Following an installation-wide lockdown and sweeps conducted by the 51st Security Forces Squadron here, the base has returned to normal operations,” the news release said. Security sweeps were conducted at the Osan American High School, Middle School and Elementary School.
The US Osan Air Base was on lockdown for over an hour after reports emerged that an active shooter drill was taking place on school premises. Since no drill was scheduled at that time, the entire area of the base was locked down at approximately 11:00 am (0200 GMT), according to AFP.
"Any report of an active shooter incident is taken incredibly seriously, and I want to personally thank the immediate and professional response by our security forces team to ensure the safety and security of our schools and the entire installation," said Col. Brook Leonard, 51st Fighter Wing commander, as quoted in the statement. "Although no injuries or suspicious activity were reported, the quick and decisive actions by the school and members of Team Osan ensured our families and personnel were safe," he added.
The Osan Air Base, located 65 miles south of Seoul, is one of several US military bases in South Korea. The base is home to as many as 8,000 US personnel, as well as civilian employees and their families, according to the Associated Press, as well as to the 51st Fighter Wing of the United States Pacific Air Forces Seventh Air Force. It was built in 1952 during the Korean War, and is one of two US air bases in South Korea along with Kunsan Air Base.
