Azernews.Az

The 25th fleet of the Iran Navy has left the country's southern port of Bandar Abbas for the Gulf of Aden to provide security for shipping lines in that region, Press TV reported.

The 25th fleet, which carries the message of peace for the region, left Bandar Abbas on Sunday after the 24th fleet successfully conducted its 72-day mission in international waters and returned home on April 4.

The 25th fleet of Iranian warships comprises the Larak logistical warship and the Alborz missile-launching destroyer.

On Thursday, Iran Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said that presence in the Indian and Pacific oceans and the China Sea, patrolling Southeast Asia's strategic Strait of Malacca, crossing the Equator, docking at China's Zhangjiagang port and identifying 370 surface and subsurface vessels were among the important tasks carried out by the 24th fleet.

The 24th fleet consisted of Sabalan destroyer and Kharg helicopter carrier along with 800 naval personnel.

In recent years, Iran Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

In line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has also been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.