Samaritan's Purse Hospital in Sudan Bombed Twice This Week

Samaritan's Purse
Friday, 29 December 2000

International Relief Organization's Medical Operation in Lui Remains Open Despite 6th and 7th Attack This Year by Government of Sudan

After promising to cease attacks on civilian targets, the government of Sudan has intensified its bombing of the town where Samaritan's Purse operates a frontier hospital.

A twin-engine government plane dropped six bombs Tuesday, Dec. 26, and eight more Friday, Dec. 29, on the town of Lui. In the latest attacks, two civilians were injured, and the Anglican church building was severely damaged. Two bombs exploded within 100 meters of the compound that is home to the international volunteers and staff of doctors and nurses.

Bombers also flew over Lui Dec. 27 and 28 as they attacked nearby villages.

Bombings in southern Sudan have escalated since November, when Lui and nearby towns were visited by a U.S. delegation headed by Assistant Secretary of State Susan Rice. The government of Sudan objected to the visit by the delegation, which investigated reports of slavery and other human rights violations.

Government planes have dropped 58 bombs on Lui this year. The previous 44 bombs fell on five days in March and April, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to more than a dozen.

Since 1997, Samaritan's Purse, the North Carolina-based international relief organization headed by Franklin Graham, has operated one of the largest hospitals in Sudan and the only medical facility within 100 miles. The hospital has served more than 100,000 people who would otherwise have nowhere else to go for treatment.

"It is no surprise that the government of Sudan has resumed their attacks," said Ken Isaacs, international director of projects for Samaritan's Purse. "This government continues to operate one of the largest slave trades in the world and has been responsible for the deaths of 2 million Sudanese. Their promises have no merit."

Samaritan's Purse plans to continue operating the hospital despite these attacks.

Working in more than 100 countries, Samaritan's Purse provides relief and aid to victims of war, famine, poverty, and natural disaster.

For more information, or to contact Samaritan's Purse, see their website at: www.samaritanspurse.org