Ukrainian Pilot’s Daring Rescue Mission in South Sudan Under Fire

Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a seasoned Ukrainian helicopter pilot, faced life-threatening gunfire during a UN rescue mission in South Sudan. His team aimed to evacuate injured soldiers when a violent shoot-out occurred, resulting in casualties and Muzyka sustaining an arm injury. Despite the challenges, he successfully flew the damaged helicopter to safety, ultimately earning a UN medal of honor in recognition of their bravery amid deepening conflict in the region.

Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a Ukrainian helicopter pilot, faced a terrifying ordeal during a rescue mission in South Sudan, marking the climax of his 43-year aviation career. Having previously served in the Soviet army and endured dangerous missions, including in Afghanistan, his latest operation turned unexpectedly perilous. While attempting to evacuate injured soldiers from Nasir during a UN operation, a violent shoot-out ensued, resulting in tragic casualties, including the loss of a crew member.

Muzyka experienced significant injury during the incident, having been shot in the arm while attempting to navigate the damaged helicopter to safety. Videos from the cockpit depicted a chaotic scene with bloodied controls and a shattered windscreen. This mission was particularly momentous as tensions run high in South Sudan, which risks slipping back into civil war following a fragile peace deal.

The stakes were evident as Muzyka’s team aimed to evacuate six soldiers, including a general, amidst rising conflict in the region. Recent violent clashes with a militia revealed deep-seated distrust between local ethnic groups and the armed forces, straining the peace agreement brokered in 2018. On the day of the shoot-out, the circumstances rapidly deteriorated once soldiers began boarding the helicopter, resulting in gunfire erupting from multiple directions.

The pilot’s military training kicked in as he quickly initiated takeoff, acutely aware of the lives at risk outside the aircraft. Despite sustaining injuries and the helicopter suffering damage that necessitated strategic flying low and fast, Muzyka managed to reach Malakal airport after 49 harrowing minutes.

Upon landing, the crew and passengers received urgent medical care, but the loss of flight attendant Sergii Prykhodko weighed heavily on Muzyka and the team. The tragedy struck a deep chord within them, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing global anxieties. Following the incident, the crew was celebrated for their bravery, receiving a UN medal of honor while grappling with the personal ramifications of their undertaking.

Captain Serhiy Muzyka’s rescue mission highlights the perilous nature of humanitarian operations in conflict zones. His story is a testament to courage, resilience, and the harsh realities faced by individuals in service of peace amidst violence. As South Sudan navigates its fragile stability, the heroism displayed during this operation serves as a reminder of the costs of conflict and the importance of international support for lasting peace.

Original Source: www.bbc.com