The 41st flotilla of the Iranian Navy set off for the high seas on Wednesday to safeguard maritime routes used by Iranian vessels operating in international waters. The flotilla, consisting of the Lavan logistic warship and the Shahid Naqdi destroyer, departed from the southern port city of Bandar Abbas to conduct a mission on the high seas, Press TV reported. Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari was scheduled to attend the ceremony to dispatch the flotilla to international waters. The 40th flotilla of the Iranian Navy, comprising the Alborz destroyer and the Tonb logistic warship, returned home on Wednesday after sailing 6,750 miles in 55 days. 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 to safeguard merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries. The navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.
