Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a seasoned helicopter pilot, undertook a perilous rescue mission in South Sudan where a routine operation escalated into violence. Despite being injured, he successfully navigated his crew to safety amid gunfire. The mission highlights the fragile peace in South Sudan and the ongoing risks faced by military personnel in conflict zones.
In a harrowing incident in South Sudan, Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a 60-year-old helicopter pilot with 43 years of experience, encountered unprecedented danger during a UN rescue mission. His longstanding military career, including two decades in the Ukrainian army and various high-risk operations, reached its climax when a routine evacuation turned deadly, leading to a shoot-out that cost lives and left him injured.
Muzyka was engaged in a mission to extract wounded soldiers from a military base in Nasir, Upper Nile, when violence erupted. The confrontation resulted in fatalities among South Sudanese soldiers and his crew member. Despite sustaining a gunshot wound to his arm, he managed to navigate the damaged helicopter to safety, filming his ordeal from the cockpit.
The conflict stems from a fragile peace in South Sudan, with historical rifts between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar escalating tensions. A recent troop rotation led to the White Army militia seizing the army base on March 4, prompting the urgent request for a rescue helicopter.
While conducting a subsequent extraction operation, gunfire erupted, and chaos ensued as Captain Muzyka, realizing they were under attack, executed an immediate take-off. He maneuvered the helicopter while managing multiple injuries, including his own, and with damaged onboard systems that threatened their survival.
Upon reaching Malakal airport, he successfully landed the aircraft with substantial damage and significant risk, despite struggling with injuries and bleeding. This mission concluded tragically with the death of flight attendant Sergii Prykhodko and served as a stark reminder of the ongoing strife within South Sudan.
The crew of Ukrainian Helicopters received recognition for their bravery following the incident. Meanwhile, Captain Muzyka expresses hope for peace, even as he contemplates retirement and faces personal challenges related to the ongoing conflict in his home country under Russian aggression.
The South Sudan rescue operation led by Captain Serhiy Muzyka exemplifies the perils faced by those working in conflict zones. His dedication and skill under extreme duress highlight the intricate challenges of maintaining peace in unstable regions. The incident underscores the human cost of war and the sacrifices made by those in military service, emphasizing the pressing need for lasting resolution in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
