IDF Dismantles Extensive Hezbollah Tunnel Network and Arsenal in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the completion of a major operation to dismantle Hezbollah's primary underground infrastructure on the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. Following the establishment of operational control over the area, both above and below ground, the IDF stated that the operation aimed to permanently neutralize Hezbollah's ability to use these facilities for preparing and launching attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.

The destroyed infrastructure spanned over 5.4 kilometers of tunnels, which the IDF reported had been developed over two decades with Iranian funding and planning. Within these tunnels, Israeli forces discovered dozens of Iranian-made rockets, missiles, and drones, along with machine guns, anti-tank missiles, and hundreds of explosives. The IDF had previously identified a significant command complex belonging to Hezbollah's "Badr" unit within this network, which included command centers, weapons depots, and living quarters.

The IDF detailed that the operation involved securing the surface of the ridge through ambushes and strikes on tunnel entrances, drones, and other means, before extending control to the underground facilities. The military reported that some Hezbollah operatives fled the area, while others were eliminated in clashes, including one operative killed while attempting to escape a tunnel. Air and artillery strikes targeted individuals trying to exit or resupply the tunnels.

According to the IDF, the operation achieved two key objectives: neutralizing a strategic Hezbollah command and control center and consolidating operational control over the strategically important Ali Taher ridge, which overlooks the Nabatieh region. The military stated that most of the tunnels in the sector have been rendered unusable, adding to previous dismantlement of tunnel networks in the Beaufort ridge and nearby villages. The IDF affirmed its commitment to continuing operations in southern Lebanon to eliminate threats and prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities, while adhering to the ceasefire agreement.