A high-ranking Iranian Navy commander says the countrys naval forces have successfully saved an Iranian-owned oil tanker from pirates in the Indian Ocean.Deputy Commander of the Iranian Navy for Operations Rear Admiral Siavash Jarreh said 12 boats with armed pirates on board approached and attacked the Iranian tanker on Wednesday morning.
The commander stated that Irans 28th naval fleet, comprised of Alborz destroyer, Bandar Abbas auxiliary ship, super-heavy Younes submarine as well as a Bell 212 Twin Huey helicopter, rushed to assist the cargo ship upon its distress call.
Iranian Navy marines managed to foil the pirate attack after getting engaged in an exchange of fire. No injuries were reported among the crewmembers of the Iranian ships.
In recent years, Irans Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.
In line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has also been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.
On October 28, 2013, Iranian marines foiled a pirate attack on an Iranian merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden.
By Press TV
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