Russia to get Sudan base

Moscow: President Vladimir Putin yesterday approved the creation of a Russian naval facility in Sudan capable of mooring nuclearpowered surface vessels, clearing the way for Moscow's first substantial military foothold in Africa since the Soviet era.

The new facility, to be built in the vicinity of Port Sudan, will be capable of accommodating up to 300 military and civilian personnel and improve Russia's ability to operate in the Indian Ocean.

The land for the base will be supplied free by Sudan and Moscow would get the right to bring in any weapons or equipment it needed to support the new facility.

Russia has a similar facility at the port of Tartus in Syria, where it also operates an air base. — Reuters