Fri May 23 04:55:34 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The U.S. is imposing sanctions on Sudan after concluding the Sudanese military used chemical weapons against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during the ongoing civil war. The sanctions, set to take effect around June 6th, will restrict U.S. exports to Sudan and block access to U.S. government lines of credit. The decision follows a New York Times report alleging the use of chemical weapons, potentially chlorine gas, in remote areas of Sudan. This action is part of a broader U.S. effort to address the devastating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with previous sanctions already in place against leaders from both sides of the conflict.
**News Article:**
**U.S. Sanctions Sudan Over Chemical Weapon Use in Civil War**
WASHINGTON – The United States is set to impose sanctions on Sudan after determining the Sudanese military used chemical weapons in its ongoing conflict against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The announcement, made Thursday by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, condemns the alleged violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention and calls for the government of Sudan to cease all chemical weapons use.
“The United States calls on the Government of Sudan to cease all chemical weapons use and uphold its obligations,” Bruce stated.
The sanctions, expected to take effect around June 6th, will restrict U.S. exports to Sudan and block access to U.S. government lines of credit. The decision follows a January report in The New York Times, citing unnamed U.S. officials, which alleged the use of chemical weapons, potentially chlorine gas, by government forces on at least two occasions in remote areas against the RSF. Chlorine gas can cause severe respiratory pain and even death.
Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal civil war since April 2023, sparked by a power struggle between the military and the RSF. The conflict has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, leaving thousands dead and displacing an estimated 13 million people. The US has also accused the RSF and its allies of committing genocide, and sanctioned top leaders like the RSF head, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
The U.S. has previously sanctioned both sides of the conflict, including Sudan’s military chief and de facto head of state, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, for his refusal to engage in international peace talks. This latest move underscores the U.S. government’s continued condemnation of the violence and its commitment to holding those responsible accountable. Further details regarding the specific incidents involving chemical weapons and their precise locations were not disclosed in the State Department’s statement.