IDF Completes Capture of Hezbollah's Underground Network in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the completion of its operational takeover of the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, securing both above and below-ground facilities. The operation, carried out by the 36th Division, involved clearing two strategic underground tunnels built by Hezbollah over two decades with Iranian funding and planning. IDF forces utilized ambushes, tunnel shaft attacks with gunfire and grenades, drone operations, and artillery fire during the operation. Some Hezbollah operatives who were entrenched in the compounds were eliminated, while a few managed to escape.

Inside the tunnels, forces discovered infrastructure designed to allow operatives to stay underground for extended periods and conduct combat operations. This included command centers, weapons storage rooms, generator rooms, living quarters, showers, and kitchens. The IDF stated these were strategic facilities established over decades by Hezbollah's "Badr" unit, funded and designed by Iran, and used for managing fire systems, fighting IDF forces, and executing terror attacks against Israeli civilians. These facilities were reportedly used continuously by Hezbollah during Operation "Northern Arrow" and Operation "Lion's Roar."

The advance on the Ali Taher ridge was facilitated by significant damage to Hezbollah's capabilities during the recent war, particularly during the aforementioned operations, which weakened the organization and allowed IDF forces to operate in the area. The operation to clear the ridge involved a sustained effort to locate and neutralize these underground infrastructures.

Hours before the official IDF announcement, Reuters reported that Iran had warned the United States about a potential full-scale Israeli operation on the ridge. According to the report, over a dozen Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps members, including senior officers, were entrenched there alongside Hezbollah operatives. Iran allegedly warned against harming them and threatened retaliation against Israel if they were harmed. The IDF did not confirm this report, and its official statement did not mention the presence of IRGC members.

The IDF emphasized that efforts to clear the security zone in southern Lebanon are ongoing and that any attempt by Hezbollah to act against Israeli forces will be met with a strong response. Israel also reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. The capture of the Ali Taher ridge marks a significant step in Israel's effort to dismantle Hezbollah's strategic infrastructure in southern Lebanon, extending deep beneath the surface.