An unknown number of aid workers are missing after airstrikes hit a hospital in South Sudan, near the Ethiopian border, as reported by a charity group. The hospital, run by medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Jonglei state, was struck during the night on Tuesday by government forces. The South Sudan government has yet to provide any comment on the incident.
The attacks on medical facilities in Jonglei state included a separate incident on the same day, where unknown assailants looted another MSF health facility in Pieri, leaving it unusable for locals. MSF indicated that their colleagues had to flee with the community and their current whereabouts are unclear.
Renewed fighting in Jonglei state has erupted recently between Sudanese government forces and those loyal to First Vice-President Riek Machar, who has been expelled from his position. The UN has estimated that approximately 280,000 people have been displaced from the area due to fighting and aerial bombardments since December, aggravating humanitarian needs in one of the country's most food-insecure regions.
The MSF facility in Lankien had to evacuate patients ahead of the airstrikes after receiving credible threats. Despite safety measures, one staff member suffered injuries, and vital medical supplies have been destroyed. MSF expressed concerns, stating that they are the only health provider serving around 250,000 people in Lankien and Pieri, and that these attacks mean the local communities will be left without healthcare.
MSF has faced targeted attacks previously in South Sudan, with eight incidents last year causing the closure of two hospitals and the suspension of healthcare activities across multiple states. Restrictions imposed by the South Sudanese government in opposition-held areas have further complicated humanitarian access, limiting the organization's ability to deliver essential services to those in need.
The attacks on medical facilities in Jonglei state included a separate incident on the same day, where unknown assailants looted another MSF health facility in Pieri, leaving it unusable for locals. MSF indicated that their colleagues had to flee with the community and their current whereabouts are unclear.
Renewed fighting in Jonglei state has erupted recently between Sudanese government forces and those loyal to First Vice-President Riek Machar, who has been expelled from his position. The UN has estimated that approximately 280,000 people have been displaced from the area due to fighting and aerial bombardments since December, aggravating humanitarian needs in one of the country's most food-insecure regions.
The MSF facility in Lankien had to evacuate patients ahead of the airstrikes after receiving credible threats. Despite safety measures, one staff member suffered injuries, and vital medical supplies have been destroyed. MSF expressed concerns, stating that they are the only health provider serving around 250,000 people in Lankien and Pieri, and that these attacks mean the local communities will be left without healthcare.
MSF has faced targeted attacks previously in South Sudan, with eight incidents last year causing the closure of two hospitals and the suspension of healthcare activities across multiple states. Restrictions imposed by the South Sudanese government in opposition-held areas have further complicated humanitarian access, limiting the organization's ability to deliver essential services to those in need.
