PARIS: The Sudanese army, at war with paramilitaries since April 2023, used chlorine gas in two 2024 attacks north of the capital Khartoum, according to a media report released Thursday.
In June, Washington imposed sanctions on Sudan's army-allied government over the use of chemical weapons but did not specify where or when they were used.
The investigation by France24 shows the army appears to have dropped two chlorine barrels in September 2024 around the al-Jaili oil refinery north of Khartoum.
The RSF controlled the area and Sudan's largest oil facility at the time.
Human Rights Watch said: "The apparent use of a common industrial chemical as a weapon creates a disturbing precedent".
Sudan's government has repeatedly denied the US allegations, calling them "baseless" and "political blackmail".
Last month, it said an internal investigation had revealed "no evidence" of chemical contamination in Khartoum state.
France24 used open source data, footage circulating on social media and the opinions of five experts to confirm the use of chlorine gas.
They verified videos showing an industrial chlorine barrel, evidently dropped from a plane on September 5, 2024 on the Garri military base near al-Jaili, that had released a yellow cloud of gas consistent with chlorine.
The report traces the barrel to an Indian company that had exported it to Port Sudan in August 2024. The company told the French outlet its intended use was "solely for the treatment of drinking water".
France24 also verified reports of a second barrel dropped from an aircraft on September 13, 2024, on the Jaili oil refinery.
The RSF has throughout the war launched drone strikes, but does not have demonstrated combat aircraft capabilities, which the Sudanese army has used extensively.
Since April 2023, the war in Sudan has killed tens of thousands of people and created the world's largest hunger and displacement crises.
It has also unleashed countless atrocities on Sudanese civilians, with both sides accused of war crimes including indiscriminate bombing and targeting civilians.
Both sides are under US sanctions, with Washington determining in January the RSF had committed genocide in the western region of Darfur.
Sudan army used chlorine twice in Khartoum area attacks in 2024: report
https://arab.news/4edj9
Sudan army used chlorine twice in Khartoum area attacks in 2024: report
- HRW said: "The apparent use of a common industrial chemical as a weapon creates a disturbing precedent"
- Sudan's government has repeatedly denied the US allegations, calling them "baseless" and "political blackmail"
Jordan, Germany committed to two-state solution
- Chancellor Merz calls for more humanitarian aid to flow into the war-torn Gaza Strip
AMMAN: Jordan’s King Abdullah has warned of “the danger of continued Israeli escalations in the West Bank,” which Israel has occupied since 1967.
King Abdullah received German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his brief stopover in Jordan on Saturday.
Their discussions in Aqaba focused mainly on the peace process in Israel and the Palestinian territories, AFP reported.
Merz called for more humanitarian aid to flow into the Gaza Strip and for Hamas fighters to lay down their weapons, adding that both Jordan and Germany are committed to a negotiated two-state solution.
“There can be no place for terrorism and antisemitism in this shared future,” Merz said.
Jordan’s royal palace said in a statement that King Abdullah had underlined “the need to commit to implementing all stages of the agreement to end the war and deliver humanitarian aid to all areas of the strip.”
The meeting discussed ways to strengthen the partnership between Jordan and Germany, focusing on the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, Jordanian news agency Petra reported.
King Abdullah emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in various domains, including the economic and defense sectors, and continuing to coordinate in support of efforts to achieve stability in the region, according to Petra.
The leaders highlighted the need to pursue a “political horizon to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.”
Chancellor Merz expressed Germany’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Jordan in various sectors.
The Syrian Arab Republic’s Sana news agency reported that the two leaders discussed ways to support Syria and Lebanon in maintaining their security, stability, and sovereignty.
They stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of regional countries and reviewed key developments in the Middle East.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi had previously affirmed that Jordan continues to support Syria after years of war and destruction, expressing hope for a stable and secure future that ensures Syria’s territorial unity, Sana added.
King Abdullah separately met with Kaja Kallas, EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and European Commission vice president on Sunday to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the strategic and comprehensive partnership between Jordan and the EU.
The meeting at Basman Palace covered the importance of building on available economic opportunities, particularly through the Jordan-EU Summit, scheduled to be held in Amman in January 2026, as well as the joint economic forum scheduled for next year, with participation from investors on both sides.
The meeting also touched on regional developments and the need to achieve comprehensive calm and preserve the sovereignty of states.
The two sides emphasized that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve just and comprehensive peace.
The king reiterated the need to adhere to the terms of the agreement to end the war in Gaza and ensure the flow of relief aid, as well as to stop unilateral measures against Palestinians in the West Bank.
For her part, Kallas emphasized the importance of the EU’s partnership with Jordan and the shared commitment to deepen cooperation in various fields, noting Jordan’s pivotal role in the region.
