UN Warns of Imminent Battle and Possible Chemical Weapons Use in Sudan

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The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding the escalating conflict in Sudan, particularly the impending battle for the capital, Khartoum. UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk expressed alarm over reports suggesting that Sudan's military leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, may contemplate the use of chemical weapons in the ongoing conflict against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Recent battles have intensified, particularly following the military's recent capture of Wad Madani, raising fears of catastrophic consequences for civilians.

Türk highlighted the dire conditions faced by Sudanese civilians, citing evidence of potential war crimes and surrounding atrocities. In just the past week, the UN documented at least 21 civilian deaths resulting from two attacks in the Al-Jazira state, although the actual toll is likely higher. Furthermore, a recent drone strike in Omdurman reportedly killed around 120 civilians, amplifying concerns about indiscriminate violence against non-combatants.

The UN urged both conflicting parties to respect international humanitarian law and cease hostilities, emphasizing that civilian populations must not be targeted. The United States has responded to the escalating crisis by imposing sanctions on both leaders, signaling international condemnation of the violence. Since the onset of armed conflict in April 2023, approximately 12 million people have been displaced, marking one of the most significant refugee crises globally.

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