IDF Completes Complex Operation to Destroy Hezbollah's Strategic Command Center

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has concluded a challenging four-month operation to capture and destroy the Ali Taher ridge, identified as Hezbollah's strategic command center in southern Lebanon. The underground complex, developed by Hezbollah over 20 years with Iranian support, was detonated on September 10th, an event felt in Lebanon as a 4.1 magnitude earthquake. The operation involved a sophisticated deception plan to mislead Hezbollah about the IDF's intentions, allowing forces to infiltrate and neutralize the heavily fortified site.

The success of the operation is attributed to the persistence of Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo and 36th Division commander Brig. Gen. Iftah Norkin, whose resolve pushed for the approval of the complex mission. The IDF managed to achieve this strategic objective without escalating the conflict into a wider war with Lebanon or Iran, at least for the time being. Neither Hezbollah nor Iran has publicly reacted to the destruction of the facility.

The operation began with a covert crossing of the Litani River, diverting Hezbollah's attention to a different area. Golani Brigade reconnaissance units then attacked the infrastructure from the rear, catching the enemy by surprise. Hezbollah fighters initially resisted from within the tunnels but eventually retreated under pressure. The IDF then launched a direct assault on the Ali Taher ridge, described as a commando-style operation involving extensive use of intelligence, logistics, and technological units.

During the intense fighting, Hezbollah attempted to resupply its trapped fighters with essentials, including chocolate and cigarettes, via drones. The IDF intercepted these supply drops by targeting fighters emerging from the tunnels to collect them. Despite offers to surrender with white flags, many fighters refused and were subsequently eliminated. The IDF reported no evidence of Iranian forces within the underground structures.

In total, 5,410 meters of underground structures were destroyed using 1,100 tons of explosives. The IDF emphasized the bravery of the commando brigade and the Yahalom unit in delivering explosives under drone threat and navigating difficult terrain. The operation's strict secrecy prevented Hezbollah from understanding the IDF's actions, forcing them to fire blindly. The destruction of the Ali Taher complex and other sites is believed by the IDF to have severely degraded Hezbollah's strategic infrastructure.