TEHRAN (Tasnim) � The Iranian Navy�s 37th flotilla of warships docked at the southern port city of Bandar Abbas on Sunday, 38 days after it started its overseas mission in international waters.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony of the Navy�s 37th flotilla of warships, Admiral Amir Reza Abbasi, the commander of the naval fleet, said the flotilla comprising Sabalan destroyer and Tunb combat support ship had been deployed to international waters in early December 2015, and completed its mission after sailing about 5,500 nautical miles in 38 days.

He further emphasized that during its mission, the naval fleet managed to foil four pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden and escorted or tracked 1,338 ships in the high seas.

Earlier in November, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari had said that over the past 7 years, 36 Iranian fleets have taken part in overseas mission, travelling a total of 700,000 kilometers on their journeys.

The commander went on to say that the Iranian fleets had escorted 3,325 vessels and helped 22 foreign ships in emergencies.

Iran�s naval forces have in recent years increased their presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for trade vessels and oil tankers.

By Tasnim News Agency