Israel Clears Hezbollah Fighters From Tunnels Under Lebanon Ridge

The Israeli military has cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels under the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Katz stated on social media that the mission was completed and the tunnels were cleared of terrorists. The military reported that some Hezbollah fighters were eliminated while others fled. The Ali al-Taher ridge, located about 10 kilometers from the Israeli border, had become a hotly contested area in the Israel-Hezbollah war, despite a ceasefire announced in June.

Israel had indicated that Hezbollah fighters were embedded in tunnels beneath the ridge, which overlooks a wide area. A Lebanese military officer noted that Israeli troops seized the southern entrances to the complex and could monitor the northern entrances via surveillance drones. The complex reportedly included various tunnels and storage areas. The Shi'ite Muslim group is believed to have built an underground command center and weapons stores within the ridge.

Israel's capture of the ridge is considered a key step in consolidating its hold on the security zone, with Katz stating Israel will not withdraw until Hezbollah is disarmed.