Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 27
By Umid Niayesh - Trend:
Iran's navy repelled pirate attacks against an Iranian oil tank, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, commander of the Islamic Republic Navy said.
A group of pirates on seven boats approached an Iranian oil tank, however, the pirates had to flee after the Iranian Navy's Jamaran destroyer opened heavy fire on them, Sayyari said, Iran's Fars news agency reported Oct. 27.
The incident took place today morning Sayyari said, adding the Iranian Navy's Jamaran destroyer received urgent help signals from an Iranian oil tanker and headed toward the commercial vessel which was under pirates' attack.
He did not unveil further information about the location of the incident.
Jamaran is currently on an overseas mission as a unit serving in the 36th fleet of warships.
The naval fleet, including Bushehr logistic vessel and Jamaran destroyer, left Iranian coasts for international waters in mid-September to ensure security of the country's trade vessels and showing the Islamic Republic's power, Sayyari said.
Iran's Navy has been recently increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and ensure 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.
Edited by CN