Iran detains dozens of Somali pirates

Iranian sailors have detained 12 Somali pirates trying to rob a trade ship, Admiral Habibollah Sayari, Commander of the Iranian Navy, said today, ITAR-TASS reports.

The incident happened in the Indian Ocean, 3,000 km away from the Iranian coast. Pirates tried to rob a vessel with tens of tons of cargo.

Iranian vessels are patrolling the area and escorting trade ships and tankers. Patrols were brought in late 2008 when two Iranian vessels were captured by Somali pirates.