IDF Destroys Hezbollah's 20-Year Underground Terror Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon

The Israeli military concluded a large-scale operation on Thursday night, destroying a strategic underground network built by Hezbollah and Iran over two decades on the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. The seven-month operation, codenamed "Operation Northern Shield," involved crossing the Litani River and capturing the Beaufort and Ali Taher ridges to secure northern Israeli communities and deny Hezbollah direct firing capabilities.

The complex mission began with diversionary tactics by the 7th and Givati brigades, while the main force, led by the Golani Brigade, crossed the Litani and established a bridge. Units from Maglan and Yahalom took control of the southern mountains up to the town of Arnon, securing the strategically important Beaufort Castle.

The core of the operation focused on the Ali Taher ridge, led by the Commando Brigade. Forces battled extreme topography, hundreds of explosives, and dense thickets planted by Hezbollah since 2006. They besieged the area, eliminated fleeing militants, and cleared the underground tunnels, culminating in their destruction.

The Ali Taher underground facility, spanning approximately 5.5 kilometers, was a significant strategic project. The IDF noted that constructing such tunnels in northern Lebanon's mountainous terrain is technically more complex and harder to conceal than in Gaza. The tunnels included medical facilities, living quarters, observation posts overlooking Israel's Finger of the Galilee region, and hidden movement routes from Nabatieh.

This network was designed to prevent IDF ground maneuvers and enable drone and anti-tank missile launches directly from the tunnels. The IDF revealed that drone systems found there were Iranian-supplied. The topography allowed militants to enter tunnels in Nabatieh and launch drones from the opposite side of the ridge towards Israel in under a minute. Command centers managing Hezbollah's operations in southern Lebanon, along with extensive computer equipment, were also discovered. Militants attempting to escape with data storage devices were eliminated, and large quantities of Kornet missiles and unique weaponry were seized.

The operation involved a complex logistical effort to transport thousands of tons of explosives. The IDF confirmed that the mission is complete in the controlled area and acknowledged the existence of additional bunkers north of the current defense line, for which forces are prepared. The IDF noted that Hezbollah and Iran have shown no response, suggesting they are deeply deterred and unsure how to counter such a significant blow. A participating officer described the effort as "insane, Sisyphean work" and highlighted the bravery of the forces, stating the operation "shapes reality for generations to come."