IDF Destroys Hezbollah's Vast Underground Complex in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully destroyed a massive underground complex belonging to Hezbollah in the Al-Taher mountain range in southern Lebanon, following months of intense fighting. The operation involved detonating approximately 1,100 tons of explosives within over 5.4 kilometers of tunnels, which had been under construction for more than 20 years. Military officials described the operation as one of the most complex in recent years, significantly degrading Hezbollah's command and control capabilities in the region.

The destroyed facility served as a nerve center for Hezbollah's Badr unit. According to a senior military source, the complex was Hezbollah's largest strategic infrastructure north of the Dahiya neighborhood in Beirut, which has also sustained heavy damage. The IDF employed deception tactics, including feints and a hidden bypass route, to surprise Hezbollah forces before launching the ground assault.

Initially, around 50 Hezbollah operatives were entrenched in the underground system. The IDF reported that most of these operatives were killed during the operation, either within the tunnels or while attempting to flee. Some engagements occurred at very close range between Israeli soldiers and militants. The extensive tunnel network, spanning over 5.4 kilometers, was meticulously rigged with explosives by the Combat Engineering Corps' Yahalom unit.

While the IDF has not observed any direct operational response from Iran following the destruction, they are maintaining a high state of alert. "Anything can happen. We are not seeing anything operational here, but one cannot know," stated the military source, indicating preparedness against both Iran and Hezbollah. Despite the successful demolition, Israeli forces will maintain their presence and control over the area, preventing Hezbollah from re-establishing its presence along the border.

The IDF emphasized that they are not withdrawing from the area and will continue to enforce the border line, ensuring Hezbollah cannot return. The operation highlights the significant strategic blow dealt to Hezbollah's subterranean infrastructure and operational capacity.