28 Mar 2024
Wednesday 10 February 2016 - 14:48
Story Code : 201167

Navy commander: Iran sends 2 fleets of warships to Indian Ocean

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari announced on Wednesday that he has sent two flotillas of warships to the Indian ocean, highlighting the country's powerful presence in international waters.

"Two fleets of warships of the Iranian Navy have been dispatched to the Indian Ocean on patrol missions," Sayyari told FNA today.

Noting that one of the flotillas was sent to Bengal to take part in joint exercises with several other navies on the occasion of India's National Day, he said, "Another fleet is in Bab al-Mandab in the Gulf of Aden, providing security for cargo ships and oil tankers."

The Iranian Navy's destroyer, Alvand, set sail to India late January to participate in joint maneuvers with several other navies.

Alvand will join the naval drills along with many other destoryers near Visakhapatnam Port in Bengal. India has organized the amphibious drills on the occasion of its national day, which will involve several warships of various classes.

The goal is to strengthen mutual understanding between the navies regarding boosting stability, countering new challenges and threats in the sea. Alvand is one of the top Iranian destroyers which has set a record of presence in international waters.

The Iranian Navy has been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008, when Somali raiders hijacked the Iranian-chartered cargo ship, MV Delight, off the coast of Yemen.

According to UN Security Council resolutions, different countries can send their warships to the Gulf of Aden and coastal waters of Somalia against the pirates and even with prior notice to Somali government enter the territorial waters of that country in pursuit of Somali sea pirates.

By Fars News Agency
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