Airstrike Hits MSF Hospital in South Sudan, 26 Staff Missing
On February 3, 2026, a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Lankien, located in Jonglei State, South Sudan, was struck by an air raid attributed to South Sudanese government forces. This alarming incident has left a significant humanitarian crisis in its wake, as the organization reports that 26 of its staff members are currently unaccounted for.
In direct response to the escalating violence, all MSF medical operations in Lankien and Pieri have been suspended, affecting access to healthcare for approximately 250,000 individuals in the region. The attack has raised alarms over the dire circumstances facing both medical personnel and affected communities.
MSF expressed its deep concern for the safety of its employees following the recent surge in hostilities. The organization confirmed that it had lost contact with 26 of its 291 staff members in Lankien and Pieri. Most staff had evacuated the hospital due to the heightened tensions and reports of a potential attack on the town. Since then, indiscriminate violence has hampered MSF’s attempts to reach those missing, a situation compounded by extremely limited communication networks in the area.
The lack of connectivity poses additional challenges for those who have sought refuge in remote bush locations. Many of these individuals may be struggling with dire conditions, which complicate contact with the organization. Reports indicate that some staff members fled alongside their families and are now displaced without adequate access to food, water, or essential services.
The implications of this violence are profound, extending beyond the immediate healthcare crisis. “This violence has taken an unbearable toll, not only on healthcare services but on the very people who kept them running,” stated Yashovardhan, MSF’s Head of Mission in South Sudan. He emphasized that medical professionals should never be targeted in conflict situations, asserting, “We are deeply concerned about what has happened to our colleagues and the communities we serve.”
In light of these events, MSF is striving to provide emergency assistance in areas where displaced individuals have sought refuge. The organization is also focusing on supporting its staff during this challenging period of uncertainty. MSF is making every effort to re-establish communication with the missing personnel, prioritizing their safety above all else.
This latest incident underscores the urgent need for protection of medical facilities, patients, and healthcare workers in conflict zones. Attacks on healthcare are unacceptable and deprive vulnerable communities of critical medical care.
As MSF continues to navigate this crisis, the repercussions of the airstrike highlight the increased risks faced by humanitarian organizations operating in regions marked by instability. The organization calls for urgent attention to the safety of healthcare systems and professionals in South Sudan and beyond.
As the situation evolves, MSF remains committed to advocating for the protection of healthcare workers and facilities. They assert that healthcare in conflict zones must remain an inviolable sanctuary for those in need.
— Reported by Nexio News
