BOONE, N.C. — The North Carolina-based humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse has expressed gratitude following the safe resolution of a hijacking incident involving one of its aircraft in South Sudan.
On December 2, a Caravan aircraft operated by Samaritan’s Purse was hijacked while en route to Maiwut, where it was scheduled to deliver medical supplies for a mobile medical unit. The plane was carrying a pilot and one staff member at the time of the incident.
Samaritan’s Purse announced that the pilot managed to safely land the aircraft in Wau, South Sudan. Upon landing, an armed hijacker, identified as Yasir Mohammed Yusuf, was apprehended by the South Sudan National Security Service. Thankfully, neither the pilot nor the staff member sustained serious injuries during the ordeal.
The hijacking occurred when the assailant concealed himself in the rear cabin before takeoff in Juba. After taking control of the flight, he instructed the pilot to redirect the plane towards Chad, although his intentions remain unclear. Reports indicate that after circling for hours, the pilot skillfully communicated the need for refueling, allowing for a safe landing in Wau where security forces promptly arrested the hijacker.
Samaritan’s Purse expressed its appreciation for the rapid intervention of security personnel, saying, “We praise God that no one was seriously injured, and we are grateful to the security forces for their support and swift action on the ground to resolve the situation and bring a safe outcome.”
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges humanitarian organizations face in volatile regions but also underscores the effectiveness of local authorities in ensuring the safety of aid workers.