Inside Sudan’s Alleged Chlorine Weapons Program: New Evidence Raises Questions Over Military Leadership

A newly disclosed intelligence dossier provides detailed evidence of an alleged secret chemical weapons program by Sudan’s military in 2024, involving the development, testing, production, and stockpiling of chlorine-based weapons. The evidence reportedly implicates senior officers and includes communications suggesting attempts to hide the program after U.S. sanctions were imposed.

Investigators examined military documents, photos, videos, and intercepted messages, suggesting approximately 300 chemical munitions were produced, with hundreds stored at Merowe Airport. Concerns are also raised about the source of the chlorine, with potential imports from Egypt and diversion from civilian water-treatment facilities.

The allegations are significant as the U.S. had previously determined Sudan’s government used chemical weapons, imposing sanctions. While Sudan’s military denies the claims, experts emphasize the need for independent investigation, as the alleged use would violate the Chemical Weapons Convention.

• A new intelligence dossier alleges Sudan’s military operated a secret chemical weapons program in 2024.
• The program allegedly involved developing, testing, producing, and stockpiling chlorine-based weapons.
• Evidence includes military documents, photographs, videos, voice recordings, and intercepted messages.
• Brig. Gen. Tariq Hussain allegedly oversaw the program, with potential involvement of senior SAF officers and Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
• Weapons were reportedly designed to combine chlorine gas with explosives for blast and toxic effects.
• Desert tests were reportedly conducted in July 2024, including one from Merowe Airport.
• Nearly 300 chemical munitions were allegedly produced, with hundreds stored at Merowe.
• Concerns exist regarding the source of chlorine, with potential imports and diversion from water-treatment facilities.
• UNICEF stated its chlorine supplies were provided exclusively for safe drinking water and has no record of misuse.
• The allegations corroborate earlier U.S. findings of Sudan’s government using chemical weapons, leading to sanctions.
• Intercepted communications suggest efforts to eliminate evidence of the program after U.S. sanctions.
• Sudan’s military denies the allegations, calling them baseless.
• Experts state definitive confirmation requires an independent investigation and physical access to suspected sites.
• The alleged use of chlorine weapons would violate the Chemical Weapons Convention.
• The OPCW has received requests for clarification, and calls for an independent international investigation are growing.
• The current conflict in Sudan is between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023.