Sudan’s Peace and Unity Government has accused the Sudanese Armed Forces of using internationally prohibited chemical weapons during airstrikes on Umm Qerfa and nearby villages in North Kordofan.
The Sudan Founding Alliance, known as TASIS, said SAF aircraft also deployed Iranian-made thermobaric weapons and barrel bombs during Saturday’s attacks, which were reportedly carried out by Antonov warplanes.
Videos circulated after the strikes appeared to show a dark circular cloud and columns of smoke rising from the targeted area. The footage alone does not establish what type of weapon or substance was used.
TASIS spokesman Ahmed Tugud said 10 civilians were killed and 18 others wounded in attacks on Umm Qerfa and the surrounding villages of Al-Heraiz, Al-Hamadab, Wad Musa, Al-Markha and Umm Teqirat.
According to Tugud, three herders and two women were killed in Umm Qerfa, while a significant number of livestock also died near local water sources. He accused SAF of deliberately targeting water points used by civilians and animals.
Tugud said seven other civilians, including two children, two elderly men and three other men, were killed in strikes on neighboring villages. Another 18 people were reportedly injured.
The alliance described the bombing of water sources and civilian gatherings as a war crime, particularly if wide-area weapons were used in populated locations with no visible military presence.
TASIS accused the SAF leadership of pursuing a policy of collective punishment against communities in areas outside its control.
It called on the United Nations, the African Union and the wider international community to intervene urgently, investigate the attack and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The alliance also said its forces retained the right to respond under international law and the principle of self-defence.
Calls for OPCW investigation
Khalid Ahmed Danaa, information minister in the Peace and Unity Government, said the reported attack should not be treated as an isolated incident.
He linked the allegations to previous claims concerning SAF’s possible use of prohibited chemical agents during Sudan’s civil war, including accusations raised by the United States.
Danaa claimed that preliminary evidence indicated that a banned chemical substance had been used in Umm Qerfa. He called for an urgent and independent investigation led by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Such an investigation, he said, should identify any substance used, document the circumstances of the attack and determine individual and command responsibility.
Witnesses report yellow smoke
The Sudan Liberation Movement–Democratic Council said local residents and eyewitnesses reported that an Antonov aircraft operated by the Port Sudan authorities dropped barrel bombs on the area on the evening of July 18.
According to the movement, thick yellow smoke spread after the bombs exploded, raising suspicions that chlorine or another toxic substance may have been released.
The presence or colour of smoke, however, is not sufficient on its own to identify a chemical agent, and laboratory testing or an independent technical investigation would be required to confirm the allegation.
The movement described the attack as a grave violation of international law and accused the SAF leadership of showing disregard for civilian lives.
The Sudan Liberation Movement–Transitional Council issued a similar statement, saying reports from the ground pointed to the possible use of internationally prohibited chemical weapons.
It said attacks on populated areas without identifiable military targets could constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law and called for immediate international action.
SAF had not issued a public response to the allegations at the time of publication.
