Thursday, March 3, 2011

Iran Navy ships returning through Suez Canal

From PressTV:

Two Iranian Navy ships that made their first ever journey through the Suez Canal following Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution are currently sailing through the canal before heading toward the Red Sea.

The vessels will pass through the Red Sea later on Thursday and enter the Gulf of Aden, the Public Relations of Iran's Army said on March 3.

The Iranian warships are due to arrive in zone one of the country's Naval Forces later.

On Wednesday, a canal official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters, “Tomorrow (Thursday), the Iranian ships will cross the canal with the convoy starting in the north from the Mediterranean.”

The official added that the two Iranian naval ships will go through the canal on Thursday morning.

On February 22, Iranian vessels, Khark and Alvand, crossed the Suez Canal, a strategic international shipping route in Egypt en route to Syria after Cairo had "agreed to allow the two Iranian warships to transit the Suez Canal."

The 1,500-ton patrol frigate Alvand is armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, while the larger 33,000-ton supply vessel Khark has 250 crewmembers and can carry three helicopters.

It was a potentially risky move but the Iranians appear to have pulled it off. It sets a precedent for Iran Navy activity, as well. Expect the Iran Navy to assume more confidence on the high seas, in partnering with its allies, and-- within the scope of its relatively limited resources-- combatting piracy. The sailors of Alvand and Kharg deserve campaign ribbons for this groundbreaking tour.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I thought the 2 ships were suppose to stay in Syria for 90-365 days?

Now they are bringing a "convoy" of ships back with them?

Sounds suspicious.