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Iran sends warship to Gulf of Aden for safety of Iranian vessels

Xinhua, April 8, 2015 Adjust font size:

Iran has dispatched its 34th navy fleet to the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait to provide safety of naval routes for Iranian vessels, Press TV reported on Wednesday.

"The flotilla, which comprises the Bushehr logistic vessel and Alborz destroyer, left Iran's southern port city of Bandar Abbas on Wednesday," Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari was quoted as saying.

The fleet will "provide safety for Iran's shipping lines and protect the Islamic Republic of Iran's interests in the high seas," he said, adding that the flotilla is also seeking to ensure safety for the vessels against pirates.

The Navy observes international laws while conducting its mission in the north of the Indian Sea with full power, Sayyari said.

In the past, Iran had dispatched its fleets for such missions in the Gulf of Aden. However, the new move may erupt conflicts as the Saudi-led military coalition has launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen since last week.

The coalition has accused Iran of interfering in Yemen, which it strongly denied.

At least 200 have been killed and more than 1,300 wounded since the beginning of airstrikes in Yemen's Aden in late March. Endit