
General al-Burhan’s military (SAF) has allegedly employed chemical weapons on at least two occasions against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the group it has been engaged with since April 2023, according to four senior United States officials.
These attacks reportedly occurred in remote regions of Sudan, targeting RSF members. U.S. officials express concern that such weapons could soon be deployed in densely populated areas, including the capital, Khartoum.
In response to these developments, the United States is poised to impose sanctions on SAF chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, citing documented atrocities by his forces, such as indiscriminate bombings of civilians and the use of starvation as a warfare tactic.
The conflict between SAF and the RSF has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with estimates of up to 150,000 fatalities and over 11 million individuals displaced. The United Nations has warned of an impending famine, marking it as the most severe in decades.
The U.S. sanctions aim to pressure both warring factions towards a ceasefire and a return to civilian-led governance. However, aid organizations fear potential retaliation from SAF, which could further hinder humanitarian operations in regions already facing famine conditions.
The SAF-controlled government has condemned the U.S. sanctions, describing them as “contrary to logic and justice,” and emphasizing the military’s role in defending the nation.