It is with great concern that we report on a new weapon of war that has recently been developed: micro drones carrying a refined version of fentanyl, capable of killing soldiers and targeted individuals without any explosion. The project, known as Achlys, named after the Roman god of poison and mist, is operated through a shared network of communications, allowing the drones to identify and target their victims in what is referred to as a mist. The drones then release a load of refined fentanyl in an area near the soldier, which upon being inhaled or landing on exposed skin, becomes lethal.
The use of drones in warfare is not a new concept, however the use of highly potent drugs as a means of killing is highly concerning. The use of these drones raises ethical questions about the use of chemical weapons and their potential consequences on both the military personnel and civilians in the area of the attack. The use of fentanyl, specifically, is worrying due to the opioid epidemic that is currently affecting many countries, and the easy accessibility and high lethality of the drug.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. The use of this drug as a weapon could have devastating effects on entire populations, and not only military personnel. The drones’ ability to operate in a “mist” also makes it extremely difficult to detect and defend against, making it an even more dangerous weapon.
The development and use of these drones also raises concerns about the potential for misuse by non-state actors and terrorist organizations. The easy accessibility and potential for mass casualties make it a highly attractive weapon for those looking to cause harm on a large scale.
As with any new weapon, there are calls for international regulations and oversight to be put in place to ensure that the development and use of these drones is controlled and regulated. However, in the fast-moving world of technology, it is unclear how effective such regulations would be in preventing the use of these drones in conflicts.
It is essential that the international community takes immediate action to address the threat posed by these drones. The use of chemical weapons, and in particular, highly potent drugs like fentanyl, must not be tolerated in warfare. The potential consequences of their use are too great to ignore. This is a call to all nations and military powers to be more responsible and to have a comprehensive oversight on any development that could change the face of warfare.
