An explosion took place on Monday near the U.S. military’s Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, injuring four members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (SDF). According to local and Defense Ministry officials, the incident occurred while SDF personnel were engaged in preparations for bomb disposal at a depot.
The Defense Ministry revealed that the unidentified explosion resulted in minor injuries, including lacerations to the fingers and potential hearing damage for those nearby. Sources indicated that the blast originated from an SDF facility designated for storing unexploded ordnance within the ammunition depot.
Local authorities confirmed that no evacuation orders have been issued for residents in the vicinity, and there is no ongoing threat of further explosions or fires. Since its reversion from U.S. control in 1972, Okinawa has housed a significant portion of U.S. military installations in Japan.