IDF Commando Brigade Completes Major Operation in Southern Lebanon, Neutralizes Hezbollah Terror Base

Since the outbreak of war on October 7, the IDF's 551 Commando Brigade, composed of elite reserve soldiers including paratroopers, has completed its seventh combat rotation. Over two intense months, the brigade operated under the command of Division 91 in southern Lebanon, conducting offensive operations deep inside Lebanese territory. Their most significant achievement was the raid and clearance of the village Majdal Zun, a key Hezbollah terror base, where they destroyed two tactical tunnels approximately 100 meters long each. These tunnels served as command and control centers and shelters for Hezbollah militants.

The brigade reported that Majdal Zun was heavily fortified with terror infrastructure, more so than areas encountered during the 2006 Lebanon War. Every house cleared contained weapons caches. While organized terror infrastructure in the village has been neutralized, the brigade warned that lone militants could still appear in the area. Over 80 Hezbollah operatives were killed and more than 200 terror assets destroyed, including launch sites, weapons depots, and observation posts.

The operation faced complex challenges such as difficult terrain, volatile weather, and significant rocket and explosive drone threats, mostly targeting IDF forces early in the maneuver. The brigade successfully reduced these threats and won several close-range engagements. The soldiers, many of whom have been on active reserve duty since late February, endured a heavy personal and family toll due to the prolonged deployment.

Division 91 commander Brigadier General Yuval Gaz praised the troops' professionalism and the close cooperation with local security coordinators and defense bodies, emphasizing the forward defense strategy to protect northern Israeli communities by engaging threats deep inside Lebanon. The 551 Brigade has now withdrawn from the security zone to regroup, handing over responsibilities to another reserve brigade in a structured rotation. Although a pilot plan to transfer some areas from IDF to Lebanese army control remains stalled, political efforts continue, and IDF forces maintain ongoing clearance operations without extraordinary offensive actions.