Pakistani Arms Smuggler Sentenced to 40 Years in US for Supplying Houthis Missile Parts

International News: In a landmark ruling, a US federal court sentenced 49-year-old Muhammad Pahlawan to 480 months in prison after finding him guilty on five counts linked to arms trafficking. Prosecutors proved that he used a fishing boat to move ballistic missile parts from Iran to Houthi rebels in Yemen. His arrest came in January 2024 during a US Navy operation in the Arabian Sea, where two Navy SEAL commandos tragically lost their lives. The sentencing highlights Washington’s crackdown on global weapons smuggling networks.

Fishing boat carried deadly cargo

Court documents revealed that the vessel, disguised as a fishing boat, carried advanced components used in ballistic missile systems. The crew, who claimed to be innocent fishermen, testified that they were deceived into the mission. According to prosecutors, the seized parts were some of the most sophisticated weapons systems Iran supplies to proxy groups. This case exposed how everyday vessels are used as cover for dangerous arms smuggling in conflict zones.

Links to wider terror networks

Investigators found that Pahlawan worked with Iranian brothers Yunus and Shahab Mirakaji, alleged operators of a large smuggling network. These brothers were tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Prosecutors told the court that Pahlawan had already completed two successful smuggling trips in October and November 2023 before being caught. The payments he received for his operations amounted to 1.4 billion Iranian rials, nearly £25,200 or $33,000. The case underscored how regional smuggling fuels conflicts across the Middle East.

Crew members claim ignorance

During the trial, eight crew members testified they had no knowledge of the true contents of the heavy packages loaded at Iran’s Chabahar port. They said they believed they were on a routine fishing voyage. Their testimonies suggested that the smuggling operation relied on exploiting desperate laborers seeking work across the Iran-Pakistan border. Despite their claims, the court held Pahlawan accountable as the mastermind who coordinated the deadly transfer of missile components to Houthis.

Emotional details revealed in court

Prosecutors presented text messages Pahlawan had sent to his wife in Pakistan, where he described himself as a “walking corpse” before his capture. These details added a dramatic layer to the proceedings, showing he was aware of the risks he faced. The court noted that his awareness, combined with his continued involvement in high-risk trafficking, made the case even more severe. Officials highlighted the danger posed to global security by such illicit operations.

Context of rising Houthi attacks

The sentencing came at a time when Houthi rebels intensified missile and drone strikes on Israel, raising concerns about Iran’s growing influence. US officials said the seized missile parts matched systems being used against American allies in the Middle East. They stressed that cutting off smuggling routes is crucial to weakening terrorist groups’ capabilities. The ruling was seen as a warning to other arms traffickers working in coordination with Iran and its regional proxies.

Implications for regional security

US authorities emphasized that this judgment not only punishes Pahlawan but also sends a broader message to those aiding Iran’s shadow networks. His conviction demonstrated Washington’s commitment to disrupting the supply chains of weapons of mass destruction. Analysts believe the sentencing will strain Pakistan-Iran smuggling links and highlight the dangers posed by illegal maritime trafficking. For now, the case stands as a stark reminder of how covert arms deals can destabilize entire regions.