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Iran Holds British Marines
Fifteen Royal Navy Marines have been "seized" by the Iranian Navy while on patrol in the Persian Gulf.
The Navy says that the fifteen were captured at gunpoint during a "routine patrol." It says the men had boarded a merchant ship which they suspected of smuggling, and shortly afterwards they and their ships were surrounded by six Iranian vessels.
It appears that there was some disagreement as to whether the Marines were in Iraqi, Iranian or international waters.
The Iranians "escorted" the marines and their ships into Iranian waters at gunpoint.
The men are reported to be safe and well.
The Ministry of Defence says that they "are urgently pursuing this matter with the Iranian authorities at the highest level.
"The British government is demanding the immediate and safe return of our people and equipment."
in 2004 eight British servicemen were seized after straying into Iranian waters. The men - blindfolded and handcuffed - were paraded on Iranian propaganda channels before being released. They later complained about their treatment while being held. One Marine said he was subjected to a mock execution.
