Iran and China send warships to Somalia waters

Tehran: Iranian warships headed to the Gulf of Aden to protect ships and crews from increasing number of pirate attacks, state-run Fars news agency reported.

Video: Ship crew members talk about Somali piracy

The report came as China said it was sending two destroyers and a supply ship to patrol the Gulf of Aden and areas off the Somali coast.

The two countries join an expanding list of navies sent to protect shipping routes from Somali pirates after pirate attacks dramatically increased in recent months.

The Iranian and Chinese fleet would join ships from the US, Denmark, Italy, Russia and other countries in patrolling the Gulf of Aden.

This year, pirates have attacked almost 100 vessels off Somalia's coast and hijacked nearly 40, taking the crew and passengers hostage and demanding a ransom.