Aid group says 33 still missing after US air strike

Thirty-three people are still missing five days after a US air strike on an Afghan hospital, Doctors Without Borders warned Thursday, sparking fears the death toll could rise significantly. Saturday’s bombing in the disputed town of Kunduz killed 12 staff and 10 patients, prompting the medical aid agency to close the trauma centre.

We are still in shock.

Guilhem Molinie, the head of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Afghanistan

The centre was seen as a lifeline in a war-battered region with scant medical care and which is one again on the frontline after a stunning Taliban operation. MSF has set up a hotline in hopes of tracing the nine patients and 24 staff who are still unaccounted for. Hungry, thirsty and war-wounded residents of the city, meanwhile, complained of the lack of essential medical support as they slowly emerged from their houses after days of pitched street battles.

We lost many colleagues and at the moment it’s clear that we don’t want to take the risk for any of our staff.

Guilhem Molinie, the head of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Afghanistan

Middle East Kunduz