IDF Spokesperson Declares Hezbollah Tunnel Network in Southern Lebanon Cleared

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a significant operational achievement in southern Lebanon today, with its spokesperson visiting a large Hezbollah tunnel complex in the Ali Taher ridge. The IDF declared the area cleared and its central underground infrastructure destroyed. The spokesperson stated that the tunnel network, built over two decades with funding and guidance from Iran, was targeted by Israeli forces in recent months. "Our forces encircled the area and increased pressure on the routes and the terrorists who were entrenched within them," the IDF said. "All terrorists who were in the infrastructure were eliminated or fled."

The IDF spokesperson criticized Hezbollah for failing to defend the infrastructure as promised, stating the organization "failed and abandoned its men to die inside." The statement also acknowledged the heavy cost of the operation, noting that "in the battles to capture and clear the ridge, our fighters, the best of our sons, the salt of the earth, fell. These achievements are first and foremost theirs." The IDF vowed to continue operations to protect northern Israeli communities and eliminate threats along all borders.