Iran Navy sends 35th flotilla to high seas

The 35th flotilla of the Iranian Navy has set off for high seas to safeguard naval routes for the country’s vessels operating in the region.

The flotilla, consisting of Bandar Abbas auxiliary ship and Alvand destroyer, left the country on Monday after the 34th fleet completed its mission and returned home.

The 34th flotilla, which comprises the Bushehr logistic vessel and Alborz destroyer, had left Iran's southern port city of Bandar Abbas for the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait on April 8.

Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on April 26 that fighting pirates and ensuring safety for Iranian vessels sailing in the high seas are among the objectives of the 35th flotilla.

He also added that the fleet would accomplish its mission in the north of the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea.

Iran’s Navy has succeeded in passing more than 2,700 oil tankers or merchant vessels through the Gulf of Aden and had 200 clashes with pirates, he noted.

In recent years, Iran’s 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.

Iran’s Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.