The Israeli military announced the destruction of a significant subterranean facility operated by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The operation involved detonating more than 1,000 tonnes of explosives to eliminate two tunnels extending more than 2 kilometers beneath the Ali Taher Ridge. The blast generated seismic waves recorded by the US Geological Survey as equivalent to a magnitude 4.1 earthquake, with tremors felt across a wide area including coastal regions.
The Israeli Defense Forces stated that the underground infrastructure served as a command center for Hezbollah’s Badr unit and housed substantial quantities of weaponry, including dozens of rockets, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles, along with anti-tank weapons, mines and other explosives. Israeli military officials characterized the complex as strategic infrastructure developed over approximately two decades with funding and planning from Iran. The IDF indicated that all personnel within the facility were either eliminated or had vacated the area.
The destruction of this complex completed an operation targeting eight tunnels and establishing what Israel describes as a security zone in the region. The operation follows Israeli forces’ seizure of the Ali Taher Ridge following months of combat operations. Israel maintains control of approximately 5% of Lebanese territory in the southern part of the country.
The latest military action occurs within an environment marked by reduced but continuing hostilities in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese army has increased deployments in areas outside Israeli control to enhance stability and provide reassurance to residents. According to Lebanese health ministry figures, at least 29 people were killed during the week of the explosion, adding to approximately 4,383 total deaths recorded since early March.
A ceasefire framework between Lebanon and Israel remains in effect, though the agreement faces challenges with ongoing Israeli military operations. Under the accord’s terms, Hezbollah is expected to disarm while Israeli forces gradually withdraw and Lebanese army units deploy throughout the area. Approximately 330,000 people remain displaced across Lebanon due to the conflict.
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