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Iran Navy breaks from military exercise to rescue oil tanker from pirate attack

An Iranian oil tanker was in Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea, close to an Iranian war game area, when eight pirate boats attempted to launch an attack.

By JC Finley
An Iranian Jamaran Moudge Class multi-purpose light-guided missile frigate, pictured in 2010. CC/Aspahbod
An Iranian Jamaran Moudge Class multi-purpose light-guided missile frigate, pictured in 2010. CC/Aspahbod

TEHRAN, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The Iranian Navy's 32nd fleet came to the rescue of an oil tanker being chased by pirates Monday.

Iran's military was engaged in a six-day war game codenamed "Mohammad Rasoulallah.".

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An Iranian oil tanker was in Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea, close to the war game area, when eight pirate boats attempted to launch an attack.

The 32nd flotilla, which includes a Jamaran destroyer and a Bushehr logistic vessel, deployed to aid the tanker, successfully foiling the pirate attack, Iranian media reported.

It is unclear whether any kinetic action was taken against the pirates.

Iran's war games began Dec. 25.

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