IDF Destroys Extensive Hezbollah Tunnel Network in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released footage on Friday from the subterranean infrastructure destroyed the previous evening on the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. The operation, which took four months to plan and execute, involved multiple units including the Golani, Givati, and 7th Brigades, along with the Yahalom combat engineering unit and the Commando Brigade, under the command of Division 36. These forces first secured operational control of the Ali Taher and Beaufort ridges before dismantling the extensive tunnel systems beneath them.

The Yahalom unit's combat engineers were seen entering the tunnels, discovering weapons and equipment, including mortar bombs. Drone footage also showed weapons left behind in the network. The operation was described as one of the most complex ever undertaken, involving efforts to avoid Iranian involvement. The IDF employed a deception tactic, opening a bypass route to make Hezbollah believe forces were preparing to cross the Saluki river.

For approximately three months, dozens of Hezbollah operatives were entrenched in the large, exposed military outpost on the ridge, operating under constant threat. The IDF reported that most of these operatives were eliminated in the past month, with initial efforts focused on the surface before moving to the underground infrastructure. During the tunnel clearing, soldiers encountered the bodies of Hezbollah fighters. The IDF stated that hundreds of tons of explosives were used to destroy the tunnels, with 1,100 tons of explosive material detonated on all available specialized equipment.

During the final destruction phase, soldiers encountered the bodies of Hezbollah operatives. The IDF reported that around 50 Hezbollah fighters were initially in the underground network, with most eliminated either within the tunnels or while attempting to escape. An additional ten operatives were killed while trying to reach the ridge to rescue their comrades. Hezbollah attempted to extract wounded fighters and replace them with fresh operatives, but the IDF prevented supplies from reaching them. The IDF noted that Hezbollah operatives could have surrendered but did not. No Iranian personnel or experts were present, and a recent call for Iranian assistance was deemed too late.

The destruction of the tunnel network has significantly degraded Hezbollah's capabilities. Following the operation, the IDF is reorganizing forces in the area and continuing to enforce the 'yellow line' to prevent Hezbollah and other groups from accessing the region.