Karshi-Khanabad (K2) Air Base Exposure

What was the K2 Air Base?

Karshi-Khanabad (K2) Air Base, also known as “Camp Stronghold Freedom,” was a former Soviet air base in Uzbekistan used by U.S. forces (primarily Army and Air Force) between 2001 and 2005 to support missions into Afghanistan. It is now infamous for having some of the most concentrated toxic environments of the post-9/11 era.

What were the hazards at K2?

Veterans stationed at K2 were exposed to a unique and dangerous mix of toxins, earning the base the nickname “The Toxic Soup.” Documented hazards included:

• Jet fuel contamination: The soil was saturated with fuel from leaking underground Soviet pipes. Veterans reported seeing “black goo” oozing from the ground.
• Radiation: The site contained depleted uranium and remnants of Soviet missile destruction.
• Chemical weapons remnants: Traces of chemical agents from prior Soviet storage were found in the soil.
• Burn pits: Open-air burning of waste added to the air quality hazards.

Does the VA recognize K2 exposure?

Yes. Under the PACT Act, K2 (Uzbekistan) is now listed as a presumptive location. This is a major victory for K2 veterans who previously struggled to get their claims approved.

What conditions are presumptive?

Because K2 is covered under the PACT Act, veterans who served there are eligible for presumptive service connection for over 20 conditions, including:

• Brain Cancer
• Glioblastoma
• Respiratory Cancers (Lung, etc.)
• Chronic Bronchitis and COPD
• Asthma (if diagnosed after service)
• Rhinitis and Sinusitis

Veterans generally do not need to prove a specific link between the “black goo” and these conditions; proof of service at K2 is usually sufficient.