Khartoum suffocates under the weight of internationally prohibited chemical weapons

Sudanese media outlets reported information regarding the spread of a deadly epidemic, likely caused by toxic gases -fumes- that resulted from the use of internationally prohibited chemical weapons by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in various parts of the country, the most recent of which is in the city of Omdurman, hence, the latter is witnessing a state of deadly chaos, with thousands of bodies of sick and dead people scattered on the roadsides and near hospitals.

Dreadful Numbers

Medical sources stated that thousands of patients and bodies are scattered in the streets amidst a shortage of intravenous solutions and emergency medications. They pointed out that large numbers of medical personnel have fled hospitals due to the epidemic, which is likely caused by the use of toxic gases. They emphasized that Khartoum has become an uninhabitable city due to the water and air pollution caused by these hazardous substances.

They reported that the number of infections with the epidemic exceeds by more than (10 times) the figures announced by the Ministry of Health or official authorities. They pointed out that the number of patients in Omdurman -alone- exceeds (5,000 cases) and that number is steadily increasing. They emphasized that hospitals and isolation centers are overcrowded with patients, in addition, roads near said hospitals have been transformed into treatment centers amidst extremely poor health conditions.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is taking it upon itself to advice doctors working in hospitals against discussing the epidemic or divulging information regarding the statistics of patients arriving at hospitals. Additionally, the Ministry keeps warning the personnel against referring to any type of epidemic, whether watery diarrhea or suspected Cholera.

The Chaos of Death

Amidst the fallacies of the de facto authority in Port Sudan, the cameras of volunteers documented chaotic scenes of death in a number of Sudanese cities, most notably of which is Omdurman, where corpses fill the streets, patients crowd the gravel, and a group of doctors hover over patients without life-saving medication, unable to reveal the truth about the disease. The rifles of extremist brigades eliminate every truth before it is even mentioned. Death is looming over anyone who attempts to characterize the epidemic as the result of the use of internationally prohibited chemical weapons or the destruction of a warehouse that was used to store the toxic weapons (Sarin and Mustard Gas), at the University of Khartoum’s Faculty of Education building in Omdurman -both weapons were used in the war. The only truth is that people are dying in the dark, without the noise or flashes of cameras from the channels falsely calling themselves “The Eye of Truth.” There is no truth in this country except death and destruction for the benefit of the warmongers.

Dangerous Consequences

Environmental experts believe that the effects of the toxic gas leakage resulting from the use of Mustard Gas (Sulfur Mustard) last for at least five years. They point out that its harmful effects are devastating to humans, animals, and soil. Exposure to it can occur through the respiratory system, causing damage, or through the skin, the symptoms of which include large, life-threatening blisters that resemble severe burns. It also causes blindness and impedes the transport of oxygen to cells, leading to suffocation.

Furthermore, Experts stare that while symptoms vary from one person to another, the results are all catastrophic. The toxic gases used in internationally prohibited chemical weapons can cause birth defects, infertility, cancer, and genetic mutations. They emphasize that the danger lies in the lack of protective factors against these toxic gases, as protection relies entirely on protecting the skin and respiratory system. There is no antidote for poisoning caused by chemical weapons.

According to doctors, the carcinogenic and mutagenic effects of Mustard Gas exposure increase the risk of cancer later in life, alter the victims’ respiratory system, induce apoptosis, inflammation, and stress responses.

Additionally, long-term ocular complications include burning, tearing, itching, photophobia, presbyopia, pain, and a foreign body sensation. It also leads to programmed cell death (apoptosis). If the latter isn’t immediate, DNA damage can lead to the development of cancer. Oxidative stress is another illness associated with poisoning by toxic gases such as Mustard Gas.

Experts describe Mustard Gas as having an odor similar to mustard, garlic, or horseradish. When pure, it is colorless, but when used in impure forms, such as in warfare, it is typically yellow-brown. Mustard gases cause blisters on exposed skin and in the lungs, often leading to long-term illness that ends in death.

The Beginning of the Catastrophe

On the 20th of this month (May), at 7:30 a.m, the citizens of Omdurman witnessed a massive and unusual fire in the city’s sky. It was later determined that the fire originated at the University of Khartoum’s Faculty of Education building.

Reports indicated that it was utilized as a chemical weapons warehouse belonging to Al-Baraa Ibn Malik Brigades, allied with the Sudanese Army. The Brigades set it on fire hours after the United States announced sanctions against the Sudanese Army for its use of internationally prohibited chemical weapons.

Local sources confirmed to (Assayha) that foul-smelling smoke is still emanating from Al-Baraa Ibn Malik Brigades’ warehouse at the Faculty of Education building, which contained the chemical weapons reportedly bombed by drones. Members of Al-Baraa Brigades prevented citizens from approaching the site.

Hamdok Intervenes

Efforts continue, aiming to fuel the war, not to protect life. Volunteers are united in death, calls to stop the war are failing, and the hypocrites of the so-called “War of Dignity” are feeding off promises of power and paradise. The paradise that José Mujica envisions for “those who created it on earth,” advising Arab leftists to distance themselves from these Islamic Movements, he stated, “Do not shake hands with those who want a caliphate, for they will crush you when they come to power. Religious dictatorships are worse than military dictatorships.”

He explains his position by adding, “When religion becomes power, it loses its spirit. God doesn’t need armed guards or banks that finance wars.”

“The cruelest forms of fanaticism occur when someone kills in the name of God. What kind of God would be satisfied with bloodshed?” according to José Mujica.

He goes on to say, “My faith is not in churches, but in that peasant who shares his bread with his neighbor despite his poverty. My spirituality lies in planting a tree, not in chanting prayers I don’t understand.”

Regarding the death that claimed his soul a few days ago, he once shared, “I am not afraid of death, but I fear a life lived without meaning. As for paradise, if it exists, it is for those who created it on earth.”

Hamdok, who only moves with measured and meticulous steps, is in contact with numerous regional and international bodies involved in health and humanitarian activities, briefing them on the tragic health situation in Sudan.

Hamdok noted in a post on his Facebook account that he had informed the relevant authorities about the spread of Cholera, aling with other epidemics in the capital, Khartoum, and a number of other states. These epidemics are claiming the lives of hundreds of people on a daily basis, amidst a health system that has completely collapsed.

He called on all humanitarian agencies and organizations to intervene immediately in an effort to save the Sudanese people and make every possible effort to address this health disaster.

The History of Chemical Weapons

Sulfur Mustard is a type of chemical warfare agent. Mustard Gas was first used in World War I and has been used in numerous armed conflicts since then, including the Iran-Iraq War, which resulted in more than (100,000 casualties). Toxic gases can be dispersed by artillery shells, aerial bombs, missiles, or by spraying from aircraft.