Israel announced Thursday it had demolished key tunnels constructed by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. This operation targeted what Israel described as a significant underground network used by the militant group. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israel conducted a "massive explosion" on the Ali al-Taher ridge in the Nabatieh region, which caused noticeable tremors felt across the area. The demolition shows the ongoing tensions and military actions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Details of the Operation
The Israeli army stated that the Hezbollah infrastructure demolished extended for more than two kilometers (1.2 miles) under the Ali al-Taher ridge. This extensive underground compound, according to the Israeli army, included a command center for Hezbollah's 'Badr' unit, a specialized force within the organization. The infrastructure contained dozens of Iranian-made rockets, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), noting the foreign support received by Hezbollah. Additionally, the army reported the presence of machine guns, dozens of anti-tank missiles, and hundreds of mines and explosive devices within the facility, indicating a well-equipped and prepared underground complex. During the operation, the Israeli army seized several dozen explosive drones and hundreds of mines, preventing their potential use in future hostilities. These seized armaments provide further insight into the scale and sophistication of Hezbollah's military preparations in the region.
Context and Wider Impact
The United States Geological Survey reported a 4.1 magnitude tremor in the area following the demolition. This seismic activity was felt across the region, including in nearby communities, showing the sheer force of the explosion used to destroy the underground network. The extensive nature of the tunnels and the significant amount of ordnance stored within them necessitated a powerful demolition, leading to the reported seismic event.
Beirut authorities have reported that Israeli strikes have killed more than 4,300 people in total since March. This grim statistic reflects the severe human toll of the escalating conflict and repeated military engagements in the border region and beyond. The ongoing exchanges of fire and targeted operations have had a devastating impact on civilian populations and infrastructure in Lebanon. The demolition of the Ali al-Taher ridge tunnels is the latest in a series of operations conducted by Israel against Hezbollah's military capabilities, which Israel views as a direct threat to its security.
Eyewitness and Official Accounts
A 4.1 magnitude tremor was triggered by the demolition, according to reports, consistent with the seismic data. AFP journalists situated in south Lebanon confirmed hearing "huge explosions" on Thursday evening, coinciding with the operation, providing independent verification of the event's intensity. These reports from the ground corroborate the official accounts of a significant military action. Separately, Israeli military officials stated that Hezbollah members had constructed eight underground routes designed to facilitate safe movement beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge. These routes were not merely storage facilities but were integral to Hezbollah's operational strategy, allowing personnel and equipment to move undetected and providing protection from aerial surveillance and strikes. The destruction of these routes represents a significant blow to Hezbollah's ability to operate covertly in this key area of southern Lebanon, a region that has long been a flashpoint in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli army's actions are part of a broader effort to degrade Hezbollah's military infrastructure and prevent future cross-border attacks.
