IDF Destroys Hezbollah's 'Flame Carver' Command Center in Complex Operation

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has revealed new details about a complex, months-long operation to destroy two underground Hezbollah tunnels and the terror group's main command center, codenamed "Flame Carver," located on the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. The operation, conducted under heavy secrecy to prevent retaliation from Hezbollah and Iran, involved a multi-pronged approach to seize control of the ridge both above and below ground.

IDF commando units gradually captured the ridge over three months, setting up ambushes to trap terrorists hiding in bunkers and tunnels. During the siege, the IDF intercepted drone-delivered supply shipments intended for the besieged militants, capturing communication equipment, food, water, and even chocolate and cigarettes. Concurrently, diplomatic channels conveyed a message to approximately 50 trapped terrorists, offering them a chance to surrender with a white flag. The militants refused, resulting in the elimination of most of them within the tunnels or during escape attempts; only a few survived and fled amid heavy fog.

Following the clearing of the tunnels, the IDF proceeded with their destruction, a highly complex engineering feat. Soldiers from the Yahalom unit transported approximately 1,100 tons of explosives into the tunnels, facing constant threats from Hezbollah explosive drones. The IDF Chief of Staff held continuous nightly situation assessments to monitor the operation and ensure no counter-response from the "axis of evil."

A senior officer described the operation as one of the most complex in recent IDF history, noting that Hezbollah's "Flame Carver" command center, a culmination of over 20 years of work by the group and Iran, was completely dismantled. "This mountain turned into a sandbox," the officer stated, emphasizing Hezbollah's failure and abandonment of its operatives. The IDF has since completed its withdrawal from the Ali Taher ridge, repositioning forces to rear lines in the Beaufort sector, while maintaining tight remote control over the area through fire and observation.