From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Iran, Russia start joint naval drill in Indian Ocean
Iran’s armed forces launch a joint naval drill with Russia in the north of the Indian Ocean designed to “enhance security” of maritime trade, state television reports.
The “Maritime Security Belt Exercise” is to cover an area of 17,000 square kilometers (6,500 square miles) and include units from the Iranian army and the elite Revolutionary Guards as well as Russia’s navy, the broadcaster quotes drill spokesman Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani as saying.
“The purposes of this drill are to enhance security of international maritime trade, confront maritime piracy and terrorism, and exchange information,” he adds.
Iran and Russia begin joint naval drill "Maritime Security Belt" in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. pic.twitter.com/syt4CtLO6W
— Yuri Lyamin (@imp_navigator) February 16, 2021
The Times of Israel Community.