An explosion rocked a storage facility at the US Kadena Air Base in Okinawa on Monday, injuring at least four individuals, according to Japanese media and defense officials.
The blast occurred around 11:20 a.m. local time at a depot reportedly used to temporarily store unexploded munitions. The facility is operated by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) within the premises of the US military base, the largest American air installation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Local media outlets NHK and Jiji Press reported that the injured were members of the SDF’s ordnance disposal team. While the exact nature of their injuries remains undisclosed, military sources have confirmed that none are believed to be life-threatening.
Emergency services and local authorities responded quickly to the scene in Yomitan Village. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the explosion and assess the full extent of the damage.
As of Monday evening, Kadena Air Base has not released an official statement. Both US and Japanese military officials are continuing to monitor the situation and conduct joint assessments.
Kadena Air Base, located in Okinawa Prefecture, is home to approximately 20,000 personnel and serves as the headquarters of the US Air Force’s 18th Wing. Known as the “Keystone of the Pacific,” the base spans over 2,000 hectares and plays a crucial strategic role in regional security and US-Japan defense cooperation.
AloJapan.com