IDF Completes Destruction of Hezbollah Tunnels in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday, September 10, the completion of its operation to destroy Hezbollah's underground tunnel network located under the Al-Tahir ridge in southern Lebanon. Following weeks of intense ground and underground operations, Israeli forces secured control of the area. The 36th Division, after extensive preparation, neutralized over two kilometers of tunnels designed to prevent terrorist attacks against Israel and its forces.

During the operation, the IDF discovered a significant cache of weapons within the tunnels, including dozens of Iranian-made rockets and drones, machine guns, anti-tank missiles, and hundreds of explosive devices. A central command complex for Hezbollah's "Badr" unit was also found, which served as a hub for planning and executing operations and allowed terrorists to operate underground for extended periods. This fortified infrastructure had been under construction for two decades, funded and designed by Iran.

Brigadier General Eli Defrin, IDF spokesperson, stated from within one of the tunnels that all terrorists present were either killed or fled. He criticized Hezbollah for abandoning its operatives, stating, "Despite Hezbollah's claims that it would defend this infrastructure at any cost, it failed and even abandoned its people to die inside." Defrin acknowledged the operation came at a high cost, with Israeli soldiers killed in the fighting.

Defrin further explained that the tunnel network served as the "brain" for the Badr unit, directing operations during various conflicts, including "Arrows of the North" and "Lion's Roar." He detailed the operation's success, which involved tactical deception, crossing the Litani River, and surprising Hezbollah forces. Commando and engineering units then cleared and neutralized the tunnels.

The IDF spokesperson reiterated that the destruction of the tunnels marks the completion of the ground maneuver operation. He emphasized that the weapons found, including those of Iranian origin, prove Hezbollah's role as an instrument of the Iranian regime. The IDF remains committed to defending Israel's northern communities and eliminating threats along all its borders.