Iran opens 5th naval base in Persian Gulf

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BANDAR LENGEH, Iran, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Iran on Sunday inaugurated its fifth naval base in the Persian Gulf, which will provide security for islands within its operational range, officials said.

The base, named Imam Mohammed Baqer, is situated in the southern port city of Bandar Lengeh on the Persian Gulf coast, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy Rear Adm. Ali Fadav said the base will cover a region in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

"The fifth naval zone was started to provide operational coverage for the Naze'aat Islands, bring about a turning point and start a new trend in the region," Fadav said.

The base will also host the largest number of IRGC marines, FARS news agency reported.

IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari said due to the defensive nature of the area "the largest number of the IRGC marines will be stationed in the fifth naval zone."

"The IRGC's fifth naval zone is a very sensitive and strategic zone and is a front line in defending the Islamic Iran," Jafari said.