At least four dead after attack on Doctors Without Borders hospital in South Sudan
- An aerial bombardment hit a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders in Old Fangak, South Sudan.
- At least four people, including a child, were killed, and many others were wounded in the attack.
- MSF condemned the attack as a violation of international law and underline the critical medical care provided by the facility.
On May 3, 2025, an aerial bombardment targeted a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders in Old Fangak, a remote location in South Sudan. This facility is crucial for the local population, providing medical care to around 40,000 residents, many of whom are displaced due to ongoing flooding. The attack, which occurred early in the morning, resulted in at least four deaths, including a 9-month-old child, and left at least 25 individuals wounded. The exact motivations behind the bombardment remain unclear, but it is suspected that government troops were responsible. The assault caused significant destruction to the hospital's infrastructure, particularly damaging the pharmacy and destroying all medical supplies. This incident highlights the precarious situation in Fangak County, an area heavily affected by ethnically-driven conflict and government military operations against opposition groups. The ongoing violence and humanitarian crises have led many residents to flee their homes, often resorting to perilous journeys by foot or boat to escape the danger. Following these initial strikes, subsequent bombardments targeted areas near the Old Fangak market, exacerbating the panic among civilians and leading to further displacements. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the fear following the strikes has driven more civilians into an already challenging environment, where options for safety are scarce due to the ongoing flooding since 2019. The situation remains fluid, with reports of further military action against opposition-held territories in South Sudan continuing. The international community is urged to address this violation of international law, as denounced by MSF, and to take meaningful actions to protect humanitarian facilities and the vulnerable populations reliant on their services. The escalation of violence in South Sudan underscores the urgent need for peace and accountability amidst the widespread suffering inflicted on civilians caught in conflict and natural disasters alike.