US Jury Convicts Pakistani Man for Smuggling Iranian Arms to Yemen's Houthi Rebels
A federal jury in Virginia has convicted Muhammad Pahlawan, a 49-year-old Pakistani national, for smuggling Iranian weapons to Yemen's Houthi rebels. The conviction follows a high-profile raid by US Navy SEALs off the coast of Somalia in January 2024, during which four men were detained, and two Navy SEALs tragically lost their lives.
Details of the Conviction
Pahlawan faces severe charges, including conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, aiding Iran's weapons of mass destruction program, and conspiring to transport explosives. The court documents reveal that Pahlawan acted as the captain of a dhow vessel utilized to smuggle arms.
He collaborated with two Iranian brothers linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in facilitating the transfer of Iranian-made weapons to Houthi forces in Yemen. During the vessel's seizure, authorities found components of ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles consistent with weaponry used by the Houthis to target both commercial and military vessels.
Context of the Arms Smuggling
The Houthis have controlled large parts of Yemen for over a decade and have escalated attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023. These attacks intensified following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the Houthis targeting ships alleged to have connections with Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Consequences and Sentencing
Pahlawan's sentencing is scheduled for September 22, 2025. He faces up to 20 years imprisonment for the most serious charges he has been convicted of. The sentencing underscores the US’s commitment to disrupting illicit arms trafficking that destabilizes the region.
Operation and Losses
- The January 2024 operation involved US Navy SEALs intercepting the vessel off Somalia’s coast.
- Four men, including Pahlawan, were taken into custody during the raid.
- Two Navy SEALs went missing during the operation and were later declared deceased following an extensive search.
This conviction marks a significant development in efforts to combat the supply chain of weapons fueling conflict in Yemen, reflecting ongoing tensions in the wider Middle East maritime region.
