Irans naval forces have thwarted two pirate attacks against an Iranian vessel in Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the Iranian Navy commander says.The 30th fleet of the Iranian Navy rescued an Iranian ship from pirates in the vicinity of Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said.
The pirates first attacked the ship with eight armed speed boats in the early hours of Monday, but the Navys special operation team repelled the aggressors, Sayyari said, adding, a few hours later, the pirates returned with 15 boats and the naval units prompt reaction forced them to flee again.
Escorted by the 30th fleet of the Navy, the Iranian vessel sailed through the danger zone unscathed and continued on its path, Sayyari pointed out.
In early May, the 30th fleet of the Iranian Navy -- comprising Alvand destroyer and Bushehr logistic vessel also rescued an Indian tanker from a pirate attack in the Red Sea.
In recent years, Irans Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.
In line with international efforts against piracy, the Iranian Navy has been also conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 in order to safeguard merchant vessels and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.
Irans Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.
On February 13, commander of the Iranian Navy said the countrys naval forces had thwarted over 150 pirate attacks on Iranian merchant vessels and oil tankers in the past four years.
By Press TV
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