Sudan’s Military Has Used Chemical Weapons Twice, U.S. Officials Say

There have been reports from four senior United States officials stating that Sudan’s military has used chemical weapons against the paramilitary group they are currently in conflict with. These chemical weapons have been deployed in remote areas of Sudan, targeting members of the Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries. Concerns are being raised that these weapons could potentially be used in more populated areas such as the capital, Khartoum.

The United States has imposed sanctions on General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Sudanese military chief, for documented atrocities committed by his troops. These atrocities include indiscriminate bombing of civilians and the use of starvation as a weapon of war. The conflict between the Sudanese military and the R.S.F. has led to a humanitarian crisis with thousands killed, millions displaced, and famine looming.

The Treasury Department has highlighted the war tactics employed by the S.A.F. under General al-Burhan’s leadership, including attacks on civilian infrastructure and extrajudicial executions. The United States’ decision to sanction General al-Burhan is significant, as he is seen as a key figure in Sudan and represents the country at the United Nations.

Aid groups are concerned that the sanctions could lead to further restrictions on aid operations in famine-stricken areas. There are reports of chemical weapons being used by the Sudanese military, authorized by General al-Burhan, although the specific type of chemical weapons used remains unknown.

Sudan’s ambassador to the United Nations has denied the accusations of chemical weapons use, stating that the military has never used such weapons. The Rapid Support Forces are being accused of using these weapons instead. The United States recently determined that the R.S.F. had committed genocide in the conflict.

There have been reports of chemical weapons tests conducted by Sudanese forces this year, with instances of these weapons being used against R.S.F. troops. There are concerns that chemical weapons could be used in densely populated areas like Bahri in northern Khartoum. The Sudanese military recently recaptured the city of Wad Madani from the R.S.F., a victory that has gained support among the public.

However, reports of brutal reprisals against suspected R.S.F. collaborators have emerged, including torture and executions. The United Nations has ordered an investigation into these killings. The sanctions against General al-Burhan are in response to various atrocities committed by the Sudanese military, including bombing raids on civilians and attacks on protected buildings.

The United States is in a dilemma as they seek to protect the intelligence sources regarding the use of chemical weapons in Sudan while also taking action against General al-Burhan before President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration. The sanctions announced also target a Sudanese arms supplier and a company based in Hong Kong that supplied Iranian-made drones to Sudan’s military.

The situation in Sudan remains dire, with reports of ongoing violence and human rights abuses. The United States’ decision to impose sanctions is a response to the escalating conflict and atrocities committed by the Sudanese military and the R.S.F. The use of chemical weapons has raised international concern and prompted action against those responsible.

The conflict in Sudan continues to have devastating consequences for the civilian population. The international community, including the United States, is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to hold those responsible for atrocities and human rights violations accountable.