An Iranian Army soldier stands guard on a military speed boat during naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz. (File photo)[/caption]The Islamic Republic of Irans naval forces have successfully foiled a pirate attack on an Iranian oil tanker in the Red Sea, off the coast of Somalia.
The Iranian tanker came under attack on Thursday morning after several armed people on board eight boats approached the ship.
The 30th Fleet of the Iranian Navy, which is comprised of the Alvand frigate and Bushehr light replenishment ship and was patrolling the area, rushed to assist the vessel upon its distress call.
Iranian Navy marines managed to foil the pirate attack on the oil tanker after getting engaged in a fire fight, and forced the pirates to retreat. No injuries were reported among the crews of the Iranian ships.
In recent years, Irans Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.
In line with international efforts against piracy, the Iranian Navy has also been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 in order to safeguard merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.
Irans Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.
On June 2, Irans 30th fleet thwarted two pirate attacks against an Iranian vessel in Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. A month earlier, the fleet had foiled a pirate attack on an Indian oil tanker dubbed Jok Lok as the vessel was heading toward the Suez Canal through the Red Sea.
By Press TV
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