Captain Serhiy Muzyka executed a perilous UN helicopter rescue mission in South Sudan which turned deadly when a shoot-out occurred, leading to multiple casualties, including a crew member’s death. Despite sustaining injuries himself, Muzyka piloted the helicopter to safety, demonstrating exceptional skill and bravery amidst the chaos.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a helicopter pilot with 43 years of experience, faced a life-threatening situation during a UN rescue mission in South Sudan. This operation, meant to evacuate wounded soldiers from a military base in Nasir, turned disastrous as a shoot-out erupted, resulting in numerous casualties, including the death of one crew member and over two dozen South Sudanese soldiers.
Muzyka, who served in the Ukrainian army and had extensive experience in conflict zones, described his harrowing experience of flying under gunfire. He sustained a gunshot wound to his arm but managed to pilot the damaged helicopter to safety, capturing gripping footage from the cockpit during the ordeal.
Initially, the mission involved extracting six injured soldiers, including a general, alongside UN negotiators aiming to uphold a fragile peace deal in a country on the brink of civil war. Despite successful extraction attempts, chaos ensued when gunfire erupted as soldiers boarded the helicopter, leading to an immediate take-off command from Muzyka.
The helicopter was struck multiple times as it ascended, with critical systems being damaged. Utilising his military training, Muzyka decided to fly low and fast to increase the chances of a controlled landing. His flight engineer managed to stop the bleeding on Muzyka’s arm while they navigated to Malakal, knowing that emergency landings were their only option if further issues arose.
Despite the numerous bullet holes and challenges posed by their injuries, the helicopter landed safely 49 minutes after take-off. Tragically, the team lost their flight attendant, Mr. Sergii Prykhodko, to his injuries. The crew was recognized for their bravery with a UN medal of honor, while the UN’s head of mission condemned the attack as potentially constituting a war crime.
Muzyka has returned to Ukraine for further treatment and personal time with his family, reflecting on the incident and the broader implications of the ongoing conflict affecting both his crew and family members under attack by Russian forces.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka’s dramatic rescue operation illustrates the profound dangers faced by military personnel in conflict zones. His remarkable persistence and training allowed for the safe evacuation of injured soldiers, despite the tragic loss of a crew member. The incident highlights the tense situation in South Sudan, where ongoing violence threatens peace and stability.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
