The World Health Organization issued a dire warning, stating a “significant biological threat” looms over Khartoum, Sudan, following the capture of a crucial bio-laboratory by an armed faction.
According to Reuters, the confiscated lab housed a myriad of lethal pathogens, including cholera and measles, among others.
WHO Warns of Biohazardous Materials Crisis in Sudan
A statement from the WHO’s Sudan Representative underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing, “The primary concern lies in the inability of lab technicians to access the facility and safely manage the available bio-hazardous substances and materials.”
#Sudan: 'High bio-hazard risk' in Sudan after laboratory seized, #WHO says
*There is a "high risk of biological hazard" in the Sudanese capital Khartoum after one of the warring parties seized a laboratory holding measles and cholera pathogens and other hazardous materials… pic.twitter.com/munTWEmgTb
— Addis Standard (@addisstandard) April 25, 2023
Previously, The Gateway Pundit shed light on the unfolding crisis, detailing how US Special Forces carried out a high-stakes evacuation mission to extract personnel stationed at the US Embassy in Khartoum.
This urgent operation took place on Sunday, as fierce clashes erupted between the Sudanese Army and an internal military group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
UN Humanitarian Agency Downsizes Presence in War-Torn Regions
The World Health Organization raised alarm over a “substantial risk of biological danger” in Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan, following the capture of a laboratory by a warring faction.
This facility contained hazardous materials, including pathogens responsible for cholera and measles.
Biohazard WARNING:
One of the warring parties in Sudan has seized a laboratory in Khartoum housing cholera and measles pathogens, the WHO said on Tuesday.
They are predicting the possibility of a Bioweapons lab leak. pic.twitter.com/G5gGX1mZxi
— Lauren Witzke (@LaurenWitzkeDE) April 25, 2023
The Sudanese Doctors Union has reported that since the onset of the conflict, 13 hospitals have been subjected to bombings, while 19 others have been compelled to evacuate.
Furthermore, six ambulances have been targeted by military forces; several others have been prevented from transporting patients or receiving assistance.
In light of the violence, both the International Organization for Migration and the World Food Programme halted their operations in Sudan, following the tragic loss of some staff members amid the fighting.
Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the United Nations humanitarian agency, noted, “In regions where intense combat has obstructed our humanitarian efforts, we had no choice but to downsize our presence.”
This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.
