At least seven people have been killed and 20 others injured in a series of bombings that struck South Sudan’s Fangak county, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The attacks also led to the destruction of the region’s only hospital and pharmacy, further straining an already fragile healthcare system.
MSF reported that an initial bombing directly hit the pharmacy in Old Fangak, reducing it to ashes and severely damaging the adjacent hospital. A second strike, believed to be a drone attack, followed shortly after, causing multiple casualties in the town, which is located in the Greater Upper Nile region.
“Old Fangak Hospital is the only healthcare facility available to more than 110,000 people in Fangak county,” MSF said in a statement, emphasizing the severe impact on an area already facing major healthcare challenges.
The perpetrators and motives behind the attack remain unknown. Government and military officials have yet to issue any statements or responses regarding the incident.
Although South Sudan has officially been in a state of peace since a 2018 agreement ended years of civil war between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, recent developments have raised tensions. Machar’s arrest in March on allegations of inciting rebellion has drawn international concern over the country’s fragile peace.