Iran Deploys Warships off Yemen’s Coast

The Iranian Navy said it has deployed warships to the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday on a mission to protect shipping from piracy. The move puts Iranian warships off the Yemeni coast during the escalation of conflict in the country. The Huthis insurgents have taking control of Yemen’s major cities by force, prompting Saudi-led coalition airstrikes and fears of expansion of the conflict.

Iran is the main supporter of the Huthis. Today, Secretary of State John Kerry said during a PBS interview that Iran supplies arms to the Huthis, including through regular flights to Yemen. (PBS NewsHour, 8 April)

Iran’s 34th Naval Group deployed to the Gulf of Aden comprises of two ships: IRINS Alborz (72), Alvand (Vosper MK5)- class frigate, and Bandar Abbas (421), a Bandar Abbas-class auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) vessel.

File photo: IRINS Alborz (72), Alvand (Vosper MK5)-class frigate (Rooholla Vahdati/ISNA)