From water-treatment agent to chemical weapon: chlorine raises the risk of an embargo on an essential substance for civilians

In brief

The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) may have used chlorine-filled bombs against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in September 2024, according to intelligence assessments reported by The New York Times and The Washington Post. These reports, published in early September, cite assessments from an unspecified Middle Eastern country regarding the testing, production, and use of these chemical weapons.

The alleged attacks occurred near the Garri military base and the Al Jaili oil refinery north of Khartoum. Witnesses reported breathing difficulties, and visual evidence shows yellow-green vapors consistent with chlorine. If confirmed, the use of these weapons could lead to an embargo on chlorine, which is an essential substance for civilian water treatment.

Independent experts must conduct on-the-ground investigations to substantiate these claims. Such investigations would require collecting medical and environmental samples, ammunition remnants, victim testimonies, and military documents. Questions remain regarding the exact timeline of these incidents and whether similar attacks have occurred since September 2024.