Israel Destroys Hezbollah Underground Base at Strategic Ali al-Taher Ridge

Israel said Thursday it demolished key tunnels built by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, triggering a 4.1-magnitude tremor.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the destruction of an underground Hezbollah base at the ridge. The Israeli military stated the network extended for more than 2 km (1.24 miles) and contained dozens of rockets, missiles, drones, anti-tank missiles, mines, and explosive devices. An Israeli military official specified the underground network consisted of eight routes with a combined length of more than 5,400 meters (17,700 feet).

The mission completed the establishment of a security zone in the area, according to Netanyahu and Katz, who added that troops will stay to prevent Hezbollah from restoring its capabilities. Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel was ready to continue striking Hezbollah and at additional locations. Army chief Eyal Zamir warned that any Hezbollah attack on northern Israeli communities or Israeli troops would receive an immediate and forceful response.

Hezbollah is believed to have built an underground command center and weapons stores at the Ali al-Taher ridge, according to Lebanese security sources who spoke to Reuters in July. The Israeli military identified a central command complex belonging to Hezbollah's Badr unit within the infrastructure, containing command centers, weapons storage rooms, and living quarters. The ridge, about 15 km (10 miles) from the Israeli border, has been a main operational focus for Israel since the conflict erupted on March 2. Lebanon's state news agency NNA reported that the powerful blast caused tremors and sounds felt across Nabatieh and surrounding areas.