Iran has sent a naval fleet to the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Iranian navy’s commander has said.
Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Wednesday the fleet’s task would be to guard the safety of naval routes for Iranian vessels.
Sayyari was quoted by Iran’s Press TV as saying: “The fleet will provide security to sea ways for Iranian vessels and protect Iran’s interests on the high seas.
“The 34th Fleet is comprised of the Bushehr logistic vessel and Alborz destroyer, and will conduct a three-month mission.”
Sayyari said the fleet had departed from the southern port city of Bandar Abbas in Iran for the Gulf of Aden, adding that it would also provide safety for vessels against pirates.
The commander dismissed allegations the fleet was being sent in connection with the conflict in Yemen, saying Iran was defending its presence in international waters.
Yemen has remained in turmoil since last September when the Shiite Houthi group overran capital Sanaa, where, on March 25, Saudi Arabia and several other states began launching airstrikes against Houthi positions.
Iran’s 33rd fleet recently returned home after completing a 77-day mission in Indian Ocean
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