The Islamic Republics naval forces have foiled a pirate attack on the Iranian gas carrier, Bootanon, in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a commander says.Iranian gas carrier, Bootanon, was crossing the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait when it was attacked by eight pirate boats at the mouthof the Strait, Iranian Navys Deputy Commander for Operations Admiral Siavash Jareh said on Sunday.
Jareh added that the country's 27th naval fleet, however, responded in a timely and rapid manner and succeeded to rescue the LPG ship after a several-hour clash with the pirates.
The Iranian commander said the gas carrier did not sustain any damages and continued on its journey under the escort of the naval fleet.
The fleet, comprised of the Sabalan destroyer and Lark helicopter carrier, has been dispatched to free waters to provide security for the trade and shipping lines and for conducting patrols in the north of the Indian Ocean from the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea, Jareh said.
He added that the 27th fleet has engaged five times with pirates and fended off their attacks every time.
On October 6, Jareh said that the 27th fleet has rescued an oil tanker from pirate attack in the Gulf of Aden.
In recent years, Iran Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.
In line with the international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has been also 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 Gulf of Aden, which links the Indian Ocean with the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea, is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
Despite international patrols, Somali pirates have hijacked dozens of ships in recent years and have taken in tens of millions of dollars in ransom.
By Press TV
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