Iranian navy repels ten pirate attacks and frees two seized vessels
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 4, 2013 10:19AM GMT
Iranian Navy commander says the country's naval forces have since, last summer, repelled ten pirate attacks and freed two vessels seized by pirates.
"The Iranian Navy has dispatched 28 flotillas to the Indian Ocean and managed to provide security in the region against pirates", said Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari in a meeting with foreign military attachés in Tehran on Tuesday
Sayyari said:"The Iranian Navy enjoys deterrence power and is ready to establish bilateral and multilateral ties with other countries."
He also added presence of foreign forces in regional waters affects the security of the high seas as well.
"Taking measures such as establishing military bases, interfering in the internal affairs of countries and supporting terrorist groups, which disrupts regional security and affects the security of all waters across the globe, is not acceptable by the international community," Sayyari said.
Iran believes that regional countries can ensure security in the Indian Ocean through cooperation, Sayyari reiterated.
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.
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.
The Iranian Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its mission in international waters.
YH/NN/HRB
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