An airstrike in Jonglei state, South Sudan, has targeted a hospital operated by Doctors Without Borders (MSF), resulting in multiple aid workers reported missing. The attack, which occurred during the night, has drawn immediate concern over the safety of humanitarian staff amid rising tensions in the region. MSF confirmed that the South Sudanese government forces conducted the attack, although the government has not yet commented on the incident.
In addition to the airstrike, another MSF health facility in Pieri was looted on the same day, rendering it unusable for the local community. Reports indicate that the MSF staff had to evacuate in haste, fleeing alongside the community. Currently, the whereabouts of these individuals are unknown.
The resurgence of conflict in Jonglei state has been marked by renewed fighting between government troops and forces loyal to First Vice-President Riek Machar, resulting in widespread displacement. The UN estimates around 280,000 individuals have been forced from their homes due to violence and aerial bombardments since December.
MSF has warned that continued attacks on their facilities jeopardize healthcare access for approximately 250,000 people relying on their services in the affected areas. The aid organization has emphasized the unacceptability of being a target in this ongoing conflict and criticized restrictions on humanitarian access imposed by the government in opposition-held areas.
The situation remains precarious, with fears growing that the escalation in Jonglei could lead to further deterioration and possibly a re-ignition of the civil war that has plagued South Sudan since its independence in 2011.
In addition to the airstrike, another MSF health facility in Pieri was looted on the same day, rendering it unusable for the local community. Reports indicate that the MSF staff had to evacuate in haste, fleeing alongside the community. Currently, the whereabouts of these individuals are unknown.
The resurgence of conflict in Jonglei state has been marked by renewed fighting between government troops and forces loyal to First Vice-President Riek Machar, resulting in widespread displacement. The UN estimates around 280,000 individuals have been forced from their homes due to violence and aerial bombardments since December.
MSF has warned that continued attacks on their facilities jeopardize healthcare access for approximately 250,000 people relying on their services in the affected areas. The aid organization has emphasized the unacceptability of being a target in this ongoing conflict and criticized restrictions on humanitarian access imposed by the government in opposition-held areas.
The situation remains precarious, with fears growing that the escalation in Jonglei could lead to further deterioration and possibly a re-ignition of the civil war that has plagued South Sudan since its independence in 2011.
