(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Iranian warship “Alborz” has been detected crossing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and entering the Red Sea, where several United States and allied warships are currently operating to secure crucial trade routes against potential attacks by Houthi armed groups.
The presence of the Iranian warship amidst the U.S. and allied vessels increases the risk of miscalculations, potentially worsening the situation in the Middle East.
According to Iran’s news agency Tasnim, the Iranian Navy’s warships have been operating in the region since 2009 to safeguard important trade routes from various threats, primarily piracy.
The Alvand-class frigate Alborz, belonging to the Iranian Navy and built in 1968 with a total weight of 1,100 tons, can accommodate up to 146 crew members and has a maximum speed of 17 knots.
Equipped with four anti-ship guided missiles C-802, manufactured in China (or the local version Noor), with a range of 120 km, each missile carries 165 kg of explosive.
Tasnim did not provide further details on the specific purpose of Alborz’s presence in the Red Sea, but it is believed to be related to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Due to heightened tensions resulting from the Gaza conflict, sudden developments have been observed in the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to the news agency.
Since the start of the Gaza conflict, Houthi armed groups supported by Iran have launched missiles and kamikaze drones against merchant ships using the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Approximately 30 percent of container ships and about 10 percent of the world’s oil tankers pass through the shipping lanes of the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, making any security threat to these vessels a potential risk to global trade.
In an effort to maintain the safety of merchant ships using these routes, the United States has established a Multinational Maritime Force.
On Sunday, U.S. Navy helicopters sank three boats belonging to the Houthi group attempting to attack a container ship in the Red Sea.
Confirming the incident, a Houthi group spokesperson stated that 10 of their members were either killed or missing.
Meanwhile, the British Defense Minister expressed readiness to act against the Houthi armed group, stating that the country is prepared to take further action to address threats to navigation freedom in the Red Sea.
According to reports, Britain will collaborate with the United States to implement military actions against the Houthi group. — DSA