Baku, Azerbaijan, July 2
By Fatih Karimov – Trend:
Iran's navy repelled pirate attacks against an Iranian oil tank July 2 morning, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported July 2.
At least 115 pirates in 12 boats launched two attacks on an Iranian oil tank, however, the pirates had to flee after the Iranian Navy's 41st flotilla opened heavy fire.
The incident took place in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a checkpoint between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa.
The Iranian Navy's 41st flotilla comprising Naghdi destroyer and Lavan logistic warship was dispatched to international waters on June 1.
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.