Part of U.S. Bombing Range to Be Closed

Bowing to sometimes violent protests by residents, South Korea and the U.S. military announced that they will shut down part of a bombing range used by U.S. fighter jets. Residents denounced the decision as insufficient and vowed to fight until the entire range is closed. The controversial Koon Ni Range on South Korea’s west coast consists of a sprawling beach for strafing exercises and an islet for bombing exercises. The range is used exclusively by the U.S. Air Force. The decision will turn the strafing range into a “safety zone” for 236 homes nearby. But the Air Force will continue to use the islet for bombing practice.