In brief
In a development that deepens the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Sudan, U.S. officials allege that the military has resorted to chemical warfare, prompting imminent sanctions against its chief.
Sudan's military has reportedly deployed chemical weapons against its rivals in the ongoing civil war, according to four senior U.S. officials. This alarming revelation underscores the extent of violence as the military grapples for control against the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.) in a conflict that has persisted since April 2023.The chemical attacks occurred in remote regions of the country, specifically targeting R.S.F. combatants. However, there are growing concerns that these hazardous weapons could be utilized in highly populated areas, including the capital city of Khartoum. In light of this, the United States is preparing to impose sanctions against General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudanese military, in response to these acts and other reported atrocities, including the indiscriminate bombing of civilians and leveraging starvation tactics during warfare.The conflict has escalated into what many experts label the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with estimates indicating up to 150,000 fatalities and over 11 million people displaced as a result of ongoing violence. The U.S. government's impending move to sanction General al-Burhan has prompted fears among humanitarian organizations about potential retaliatory actions from the military, which could further restrict essential aid in famine-stricken areas.Details about the specific types of chemical agents employed remain unclear, with intelligence limited to a small contingent within the Sudanese armed forces. Sources indicate that the authorization for their use came directly from General al-Burhan. The sanctions follow a recent U.S. designation declaring the R.S.F. guilty of genocide against the Sudanese people, leading to previous sanctions on the group’s leader and numerous UAE-based companies involved in arms and gold trades with the R.S.F.As the conflict continues to evolve, international scrutiny and condemnation of the actions by Sudan's military are likely to increase, while aid organizations strive to navigate the treacherous landscape of a nation in crisis.
