On May 3, 2025, a devastating aerial bombing targeted a hospital in Old Fangak, a remote town in northern South Sudan, resulting in at least seven deaths and 20 injuries. The attack, carried out by helicopter gunships, destroyed the pharmacy and severely damaged the hospital, which was the only medical facility serving over 110,000 residents, including many displaced by severe flooding. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemned the assault as a “clear violation of international law” .
The bombing occurred around 4:30 a.m. when two helicopter gunships dropped bombs on the MSF-run pharmacy, setting it ablaze. The hospital, which had been providing critical medical care to the community, was also significantly damaged. In the aftermath, additional airstrikes targeted a local market, causing widespread panic and displacement among civilians.
Old Fangak is located in the Greater Upper Nile region, an area historically aligned with opposition groups loyal to Vice President Riek Machar. Since March 2025, government forces, supported by Ugandan troops, have conducted numerous airstrikes in the region, leading to increased violence and insecurity. The motive behind the attack on the hospital remains unclear, and South Sudanese military officials have yet to comment.
The destruction of the hospital has left the community without access to essential medical services, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. MSF has called for an immediate cessation of attacks on medical facilities and for all parties to respect international humanitarian law. The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians, urging for renewed efforts towards peace and stability in South Sudan.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in conflict zones and the critical need for protection of medical facilities and personnel. The attack on Old Fangak highlights the vulnerability of healthcare infrastructure in conflict areas and the devastating consequences for civilian populations.
