An Iranian Navy commander says the countrys naval forces have successfully saved an Iranian merchant vessel which had come under attack by pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
Five boats with armed pirates on board approached and attacked the Iranian freighter on Monday, said Deputy Commander of the Iranian Navy for Operations Rear Admiral Siavash Jarreh.
The commander stated that Irans 27th Naval Fleet - comprised of the Sabalan destroyer and Lark helicopter carrier - rushed to assist the cargo ship upon its distress call.
Iranian Navy marines managed to foil the pirate attack after getting engaged in a fire fight that lasted for several hours. No injuries were reported among the crewmembers of the Iranian ships.
On October 23, Iranian Navy's Second-in-Command to the Deputy Commander for Operations Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said that Irans 27th Fleet had rescued a wandering Yemeni boat in the Red Sea.
He added that Iranian naval personnel helped repair the Yemeni boat, which had run into engine trouble and gave its crew food, water and medical assistance.
In recent years, the Iranian Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.