Iran's naval forces have successfully thwarted a pirate attack on an Iranian oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden.

Pirates in 11 speedboats attacked the oil tanker with a cargo of more than 150,000 tonnes in Bab el-Mandeb Strait. However, commandos of the Navy’s 60th flotilla of warships, which patrols the Gulf of Aden in an overseas mission, managed to repel the attack.

The 60th flotilla, comprising Bayandor destroyer, Bushehr logistic vessel and Lavan logistic warship, set off for high seas on January 23 on a mission to maintain the Islamic Republic’s power in international waters and safeguard maritime routes.

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 been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, safeguarding 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.

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