Tasnim � Military forces on board the Iranian Navy�s 48th flotilla rescued one of the country�s merchant vessels from a pirate attack near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Monday.

The pirates, sailing seven boats equipped with light and semi-heavy assault weapons, launched an attack on the Iranian trade vessel near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Monday morning.

The Iranian Navy�s Alvand destroyer received a distress signal from the trade vessel, loaded with a cargo worth millions of dollars, and rushed to the scene, forcing the pirates to flee.

Alvand destroyer is sailing the international waters as part of the 48th flotilla of Iran�s Navy, which began an overseas mission last month.

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