Russia opens Kyrgyzstan base (30 km from US base)

Vladimir Putin has opened Russia's first new foreign military base since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Speaking on the one-year anniversary of a Moscow theatre siege by Chechen separatists, the Russian president said the base would strengthen regional security.

But many believe it also wants to counter the growing influence of the United States.

Less than five minutes flying time from the Russian base is Manas airfield, which American aircraft have been using to support operations in Afghanistan since shortly after the 11 September, 2001, attacks.

The Russian Defence Ministry has insisted that the US should only stay in the area until the situation in Afghanistan stabilises.

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