Iranian news agencies report that two Iranian warships left Sudan on October 31 after docking at a port on the Red Sea coast two days earlier, in the first visit by Iranian naval ships to the African country. The arrival of the helicopter carrier “Kharg” and the destroyer “Shahid Naqdi” came less than a week after Sudan’s government accused Iranian rival Israel of carrying out an air strike on an arms factory in the Sudanese capital Khartoum. Sudan has threatened to retaliate against Israel over the incident. Sudan’s Foreign Ministry on October 29 said Iran was not involved in operations at the Yarmouk arms factory, which was damaged by explosions and fire. Israel has accused Sudan of serving as a conduit for the smuggling of weapons to Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, via Egypt. Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
Iranian Warships Leave Sudan After Unprecedented Visit
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An Iranian soldier stands guard near the Iranian Navy helicopter carrier "Kharg" at Port Sudan on October 31.
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The Iranian "Kharg" replenishment ship (left) and the destroyer “Shahid Naqdi” are seen docked in the Red Sea town of Port Sudan.
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The "Kharg" docked in Port Sudan
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Sudanese naval officials stand in fron of the "Kharg."
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A Sudanese naval boat patrols the waters close to the "Kharg."
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The “Shahid Naqdi” docking in Port Sudan
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An Iranian navy special forces officer holds an Uzi sub-machine gun on the deck of the “Shahid Naqdi” as it pulls into port.
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A Sudanese man points at the Iranian "Kharg" in Port Sudan.