Hezbollah Rebuilding Capabilities in Southern Lebanon, Report Claims

Hezbollah has been actively rebuilding its military capabilities in southern Lebanon, including areas south of the Litani River, in anticipation of future conflict, according to a report by Lebanese news outlet Al-Modon, citing its sources. The organization reportedly utilized the previous ceasefire period to enhance its arsenal, with a particular focus on upgrading explosive-laden drones.

Sources cited by Al-Modon indicated that Hezbollah is using materials from a recently intercepted truck of explosives to modify FPV drones. These upgrades aim to increase the explosive payload capacity of these drones from approximately 2.5 kg to between 4 and 6 kg. Additionally, Hezbollah has reportedly extended the operational range of its fiber-optic tethered drones from 20 kilometers to over 30 kilometers. The organization is also said to be equipping drones with explosives like TNT and C4, along with shrapnel such as nails and metal balls, to inflict greater casualties.

Hezbollah has also reportedly strengthened its military presence in towns and villages near the "yellow line" (the Israeli border) and in areas south of the Litani River, reinforcing positions in Nabatieh, Iqlim al-Tuffah, and Jabal al-Rihan. Concurrently, the report notes that Hezbollah has intensified security measures in response to Israeli operations targeting its senior members and operatives. This includes increased surveillance for Israeli drones over southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs (Dahieh), leading to the evacuation of numerous apartments and offices in Dahieh.