By Hu Jiajie and Wang Yuanfang
CHABAHAR, Mar. 14 -- As the participating naval ships from China, Iran and Russia docked at the Iranian port of Chabahar at around 5:00 pm on March 13, local time, the maritime training phase of the Security Bond-2024 joint naval drills concluded successfully.
The maritime training phase was carried out in the waters near the Gulf of Oman from March 12 to 13, and mainly centered on firing at sea and armed rescue of hijacked merchant vessels, among others.
On the morning of March 12, participating naval ships from China, Iran and Russia sailed to the designated waters in sequence. At noon, the first subject of firing at sea commenced with the Chinese side serving as the subject commander. After the Iranian ships emplaced the targets, ships from the three countries fired at targets successively in a single-column formation. On the evening of the same day, the participating naval ships also carried out drills on subjects such as nighttime firing at sea and light communication.
On the morning of March 13, when the emergent battle alarm sounded, ships from the three countries rapidly rushed forward in two mixed task detachments to rescue the two hijacked merchant vessels played by the Iranian ships. The commandos boarded the hijacked merchant vessels covertly using hook ladders, and immediately subdued the "pirates" on deck, took control of the bridge house, seized the commanding height, and proceeded with cabin search and hostage rescue operations. The ships on guard adjusted their positions frequently to ensure the deck fire team could provide effective support and cover for the commandos, who successfully rescued the hostages with the cooperation of sea and air troops.
"Chinese naval troops are highly qualified. I hope we can have more opportunities to communicate with them." After the maritime exercise, an observer from the Iranian side spoke highly of the performance of the Chinese sailors.