Furthermore, according to the Daily Star:
Four Egyptian naval vessels have crossed the Suez Canal en route to Yemen to secure the Gulf of Aden, maritime sources at the Suez Canal said Thursday.
The sources said they expected the vessels to reach the Red Sea by Thursday evening.Meanwhile, just prior to the onset of Operation Decisive Storm, Iranian media reported Iran Navy warships engaged in anti-piracy operations in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. From Press TV:
Iranian naval forces have successfully saved an Iranian-owned oil tanker from pirates in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
The Iranian tanker came under attack on Wednesday morning after 32 armed people on board four speedboats and a fishing barge laid siege to the ship.
The Iranian Navy vessels patrolling the area rushed to assist the vessel upon its distress call.COMMENTARY: The Saudi-led coalition engaging in Operation Decisive Storm is establishing a naval blockade of Yemen.
Iran Navy vessels are reported to be operating near Bab el-Mandab Strait. A typical Iran Navy "Fleet" operating at the Gulf of Aden comprises a frigate or corvette, and a logistics vessel. At least one vessel in such a fleet equipped with helipad.
There appears opportunity for a naval encounter between Saudi-led coalition forces, and Iran Navy vessels operating in waters near the conflict in Yemen.
Previous Iran Navy 32nd Fleet operating at Gulf of Aden, comprising:
- IRINS Jamaran (76) Moudge class guided missile frigate (FFGH)
- IRINS Bushehr (422) Bandar Abbas class replenishment ship (AORLH)
File photo: Islamic Republic News Agency
