Iran Navy aims to boost Bab el-Mandeb security: Commander
Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari says the Iranian naval forces are making efforts to improve security in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb, considering security of those regions as a top priority.
“Today the most important issue on the agenda of [Iran’s] Navy is to provide security in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb,” Sayyari said on Sunday.
He added that Iranian naval forces have so far escorted 3,850 Iranian commercial and tanker ships as well as 25 foreign vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden regions where pirates are active.
The Iranian naval fleets are currently present in the Gulf of Aden, Sayyari said, adding that the Alvand destroyer and the Bushehr logistic vessel were dispatched to the high seas on October 6 for a nearly five-month mission.
“For the first time, we have managed to sail around the Cape of Good Hope which is itself a record,” the Navy chief said, noting that new vessels would join the Navy soon.
In recent years, Iran’s 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 conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008, safeguarding merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.
Iran’s Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.
Read more:
'Iran’s True Promise ushers in new era for region; strategic implications felt across globe'
How Iran shattered Israeli deterrence and redefined rules of engagement
How Iran’s ‘Op. True Promise’ revealed Jordan’s unholy alliance with Israel
Air traffic control strike in France leads to major Europe flight cancelations
Iran urges US to stop support for Israel as university revolt spreads
Gaza faces imminent famine as people starving to death: UN warns
North Korea to stand up to sanctions, bolster military power: Official
Hezbollah says 2,000 Israeli forces killed, injured in operations since Gaza war began
War of wills: Iran army chief vows crushing response to any aggression
April 24: ‘Axis of Resistance’ operations against Israeli occupation
Tabas sand defeats US military
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
