Crewmembers of a Russian helicopter have been released more than a week after they were taken in by Sudanese troops in the western city of al-Fasher.
The freed group members were moved to the Russian embassy in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum Tuesday evening to await deportation, Russian media were told.
The incident caused a diplomatic row between Sudan and Russia, with Moscow maintaining the private helicopter was on a peacekeeping mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sudanese officials reportedly suspected the helicopter of carrying weapons for the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SPLA), according to the independent agency Media Center.
Owners of the private Russian helicopter said the crew would return as soon as they had visas. Another team is being flown out to take the helicopter on to its original destination. (Albawaba.com)
