Iran’s Navy chief said its forces have in the past few years escorted 3,200 commercial ships to ensure their safe passage in the Gulf of Aden where pirates are active.
Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari made the remark at the second national forum of new naval technologies in the northern city of Noshahr on Wednesday, Press TV reported.
In recent years, the navy 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 been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008, safeguarding merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.
The navy has managed to foil numerous pirate attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.
