Following the explosion on the Ali al-Taher mountain range, seismological services recorded a tremor with a magnitude of 4.1. Reuters confirmed the presence of weapons and command infrastructure at the complex.
The Israel Defence Forces announced the destruction of a large underground Hezbollah complex on the Ali al-Taher ridge near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon. According to the IDF, the network comprised over two kilometres of tunnels, and more than 1,100 tonnes of explosives were used to blow it up simultaneously. The US Geological Survey recorded a tremor following the explosions.
Briefly about the main points
- According to the IDF, the tunnel system was over two kilometres long.
- The complex comprised command posts, weapons depots and accommodation facilities.
- The explosion triggered a 4.1-magnitude tremor in southern Lebanon.
- The military reported the presence of rockets, drones, mines and anti-tank weapons.
- Lebanon objects to the prolonged presence of Israeli troops.
Command centre and underground infrastructure
The operation took place on the Ali al-Taher ridge, which overlooks several villages and the roads leading to Nabatiya. The Israeli military had previously stated that it had established operational control there, both on the surface and underground.
According to the IDF, the underground network contained command posts, weapons depots and living quarters designed to accommodate fighters for extended periods. The military described the command centre of Hezbollah’s «Badr» regional unit as the central element of the complex.
The ridge is situated not far from the Beaufort Fortress, where Israel has previously carried out operations against underground infrastructure. According to the AP, control of the high ground affects supply routes and the presence of «Hezbollah» in this sector.
The explosions were recorded by seismological services
According to the IDF, more than 1,100 tonnes of explosives were used to destroy the system in a single operation. The US Geological Survey recorded an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 in southern Lebanon.
In Lebanon, the seismic signal was attributed to a shock wave caused by massive explosions, rather than a tectonic earthquake. Local media reported that the explosions and tremors were felt a considerable distance from the mountain range.
Claims regarding Iranian armaments and Tehran’s role
During the mop-up operation, the IDF announced that it had discovered dozens of Iranian-made rockets, guided missiles and drones. The military also reported finding machine guns, dozens of anti-tank missiles, hundreds of mines and other explosive devices.
The Israeli army claims that the system was built over approximately two decades with funding and planning from Iran. It is not possible to independently verify all the technical details regarding Iran’s involvement and the scale of the complex, as most of this information has been provided by the Israeli side.
Reuters has confirmed the destruction of a large underground complex and the presence inside of missiles, drones, anti-tank weapons and command infrastructure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the facility as «Iran’s largest outpost outside Iran»; this is his assessment.
«The »security zone’ and negotiations on a further settlement
Minister of Defence of Israel Israel Katz stated that the operation effectively completes the establishment of an Israeli «security zone» in southern Lebanon. According to Israeli sources, together with the network that had previously been dismantled near Bofora The underground system in this area consisted of eight tunnels with a total length of around 5.4 kilometres.
Lebanon opposes the prolonged presence of Israeli troops on its territory. The framework agreement, brokered by the US, links the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces to the disarmament of Hezbollah, but its implementation is progressing slowly.
Israel and Lebanon must continue negotiations on a settlement under international mediation. Among the unresolved issues are the mechanism for verifying the group’s disarmament and the conditions for transferring control of certain areas to the Lebanese army.
