Iranian and Russian naval forces successfully executed a simulated operation to rescue a hijacked vessel on Thursday, as part of joint military drills underway in the waters of southern Iran.
The naval personnel of the Iranian Army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and the Russian Navy carried out the complex mock rescue operation in the waters near Bandar Abbas.
How the Mock Rescue Unfolded
According to military officials, the exercise began after commercial ships transmitted emergency messages to the Bandar Abbas Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC). In response, an SH-3 helicopter belonging to the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and a Bell 412 chopper of the IRGC Navy were dispatched to search the area.
Iran’s naval forces, alongside Russian naval forces, successfully carried out a drill to retake a mock hijacked ship during their joint maritime exercise.
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Iran’s Alvand destroyer, serving as the command ship for the exercises, then directed combat vessels stationed in the zone to initiate the rescue mission. In the final stage, special forces from both Iran and Russia launched a simultaneous heliborne and surface assault, successfully retaking the vessel and apprehending the simulated pirates.
More images from today's joint exercise conducted by Iranian and Russian special naval forces simulating the liberation of a hijacked ship.
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A Message Amid Heightened Tensions
The joint drills, involving a wide array of naval assets, come at a time of heightened regional tensions. They follow repeated threats from the United States, which has warned of military action against Iran if it does not accede to nuclear demands. Washington has also dispatched a number of warships to regional waters near the Islamic Republic.
In response, Iranian authorities have stressed that even a single shot fired at the country would be met with a far-reaching and massive response targeting US assets in the region.
The exercises also coincide with the latest round of indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland. Following the discussions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the two sides had agreed on a set of guiding principles intended to pave the way for future negotiations.
Naval Units Conduct Photo Exercise
In a related phase of the joint maritime maneuvers, naval units from both countries successfully carried out a “Photo Ex” (aerial photography) exercise, demonstrating their ability to operate in coordinated tactical formations.
Participating Iranian units included the Alvand destroyer; Neyzeh and Khanjar missile-launching vessels; an SH3D helicopter; landing craft; special operations teams; and RIB and Raad assault boats from the Iranian Army. The IRGC Navy contributed the Shahid Sayyad vessel, Tondar-class craft, assault boats, special operations teams, and a Bell 412 helicopter.
Russia deployed the Bravyi helicopter carrier for the drills. The Iranian Air Force also participated, providing air cover with two F-4 fighter jets.
Source: Press Tv edited by Al-manar English website