Four crew members from a ship accused of smuggling Iranian-made missile parts to Houthi rebels in Yemen are set to appear in a Virginia federal court. Officials claim the ship aimed to supply Houthi rebels with weapons.
US Navy SEALs and Coast Guard conducted a mission in January in the Arabian Sea to intercept the ship amid Houthi attacks on vessels. Tragically, two Navy SEALs lost their lives during the operation.
The ship’s captain, Muhammad Pahlawan, reportedly refused to cooperate during the boarding attempt and urged crew members to destroy the vessel. Despite his efforts, the ship was stopped, leading to the discovery of illicit cargo.
Upon searching the ship, US forces found Iranian-made advanced weapons, including missile components. These items are said to match those used by Houthi rebels in previous attacks on ships.
Pahlawan faces charges related to smuggling missile components and providing false information to authorities. His co-defendants are also charged with providing false information about the ship’s origin and cargo.
Ten other crew members are being held as material witnesses, indicating their testimony is crucial for the case. According to court documents, some crew members had contact with an Iranian Revolutionary Guard member via satellite phone.
The incident underscores tensions in the region, particularly regarding Iran’s alleged support for militant groups like the Houthis. It also raises concerns about the safety of shipping routes in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.
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