Iranian Navy rescues Liberian ship from pirates

Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29

By Umid Niayesh - Trend:

Iran's Navy Forces have come to the rescue of a ship hoisting the Liberian flag from pirates in the Indian Ocean on Nov. 28, Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said, IRNA news Agency reported on Nov. 29.

The ship was sailing in the northern part of the Indian Ocean when it was attacked by pirates and sent SOS messages which were received by Iranian naval forces in the region, Sayyari added.

Referring to the presence of the Iranian Navy in international waters, he said the Iranian Navy has escorted 2000 ships to date.

Sayyari also underlined that the Navy has been involved in some 150 heavy skirmishes with pirates during its presence in international waters.

In recent years, Iran's navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly asserted that its overseas naval presence is meant to convey a message of peace and friendship to regional countries.

In line with international efforts against piracy, the navy has also been conducting patrols in the pirate infested Gulf of Aden since November 2008 in order to safeguard merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.