All articles tagged with #weapons smuggling
Muhammad Pahlawan, a Pakistani weapons smuggler, was sentenced to 40 years in the US for using a fishing boat to ship sophisticated Iranian missile components to Houthi rebels in Yemen, highlighting ongoing Iran-backed arms trafficking and its impact on regional conflicts.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah's weapon-smuggling routes near the Syrian-Lebanese border, significantly depleting the capabilities of Hezbollah's Unit 4400. This unit is responsible for smuggling weapons, and the strikes are part of the IDF's ongoing efforts to dismantle smuggling routes supported by the Syrian regime. The IDF emphasized its commitment to eliminating threats to Israel and preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its terror infrastructure.
A Chinese national, Shenghua Wen, residing in California, has been charged with illegally exporting weapons and ammunition to North Korea, allegedly at the direction of North Korean officials. Federal agents seized 50,000 rounds of ammunition and other military-related items from his home, which he reportedly intended to send to North Korea. Wen, who overstayed his student visa, faces charges under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence if convicted.
A Chinese national, Shenghua Wen, residing illegally in California, was arrested by the FBI for allegedly conspiring with North Korean officials to smuggle restricted weapons and military technology into North Korea, potentially for a surprise attack on South Korea. Wen reportedly received $2 million from North Korea and established a Texas export company to facilitate the illegal shipments. Authorities seized ammunition and equipment from his home, and he faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Four alleged weapons smugglers linked to the deaths of two U.S. Navy SEALs have been brought to the U.S. to face criminal charges after being intercepted by a U.S. Navy ship in the Arabian Sea. The defendants were found transporting Iranian-made advanced conventional weaponry believed to be destined for Yemen, likely intended for Houthi rebels. The SEALs drowned during the mission, and the defendants have been charged with providing false information to investigators and unlawfully transporting explosive material. The U.S. military has conducted defensive strikes targeting the Houthis in response to ongoing attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
Israeli military and intelligence officials have discovered that a significant portion of weapons used by Hamas, including rockets and anti-tank weaponry, were sourced from unexploded munitions fired by the Israeli military into the Gaza Strip. Hamas has also been arming its fighters with weapons stolen from Israeli military bases. The extent of Hamas' ability to obtain arms has surprised Israeli authorities, who had previously underestimated the group's capabilities. Hamas has repurposed unexploded Israeli munitions to build its arsenal, showcasing its sophisticated manufacturing abilities. The group has also utilized smuggling routes and repurposed materials from conflict zones to obtain weapons.
Two missing Navy SEALs were part of a mission to intercept Iranian weapons being smuggled to the Houthi militia in Yemen, with the seized items including missile components and warheads. The operation marked the first seizure of Iranian-supplied weapons to the Houthis by U.S. forces since the militants began targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Despite the successful interception, the SEALs went missing during the boarding mission, and the search for them continues.
Iran and its proxy groups have been smuggling weapons into Syria disguised as aid shipments sent after a devastating earthquake earlier this year, according to a classified US intelligence assessment. The weapons, including small arms, ammunition, and drones, were brought in convoys from Iraq organized by Iran-backed militias and the Quds Force. The report also said the aid shipments were complicating Israel’s targeting of arms deliveries for Iranian proxies. The United States has about 900 troops in posts across northeastern Syria to keep pressure on the remnants of the Islamic State group and support the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.
Iran and its proxies are allegedly using humanitarian aid shipments to smuggle weapons into Syria and target US troops, according to a leaked US intelligence report. The report claims that Iran has been hiding offensive military equipment within aid deliveries to Syria since a catastrophic earthquake hit the region earlier this year. The weapons include small arms, ammunition, and drones, and are delivered using vehicle convoys from Iraq coordinated through friendly militant groups there and the Quds Force, Iran’s elite expeditionary unit. The leaked intelligence findings raise questions about the ability of the US and its allies to intercept Iranian-sourced arms used routinely to target American personnel, partner forces, and civilians in the Middle East.
Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen stated that Jordan cannot be held responsible for the smuggling of over 200 guns and gold into the West Bank by Jordanian MP Imad al-Adwan. Cohen emphasized that the incident was a serious criminal act and will be examined thoroughly. The arrest of the MP has further elevated tensions between Amman and Jerusalem.