Israel has destroyed a significant tunnel network constructed by the Hezbollah group in Lebanon, an operation that triggered a 4.1 magnitude tremor and illuminated the night sky with explosions. The blast on Thursday obliterated the major underground complex, described by Israeli officials as strategic terrorist infrastructure developed over two decades with Iranian funding.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday evening that the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon had been demolished. Approximately 1,100 tons of explosives were reportedly used in the operation. Footage released by Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz showed flames erupting from the destroyed tunnels against the dark sky, with plumes of smoke billowing. The video was accompanied by the statement, "We promised and we delivered. The terrorists were eliminated and the Ali Taher tunnels were destroyed. Kudos to the IDF."
Israeli sources indicated that dozens of Hezbollah fighters were found dead within the tunnels, which have been a focal point of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. A joint statement from Netanyahu and Katz referred to the tunnels as "strategic terrorist infrastructure that was built over two decades, with Iranian funding and planning." They added that the destruction "completes the achievement of operational control over the Ali al-Taher ridge - above and below ground."
The United States Geological Survey confirmed a 4.1 magnitude tremor in the region. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported a "massive explosion" on the Ali al-Taher ridge in the Nabatieh region, which caused tremors and a loud rumble. Journalists in southern Lebanon also reported hearing "huge explosions."
According to the Israeli army, the Hezbollah infrastructure spanned over two kilometers (1.2 miles) and contained numerous Iranian-made rockets, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles, along with machine guns, anti-tank missiles, and hundreds of mines and explosive devices. The underground compound also housed a command center for Hezbollah's 'Badr' unit.
An Israeli military official stated that some militants in the area had evacuated the ridge, while others were "eliminated by aerial strikes and artillery fire." Israel had announced the capture of the Ali al-Taher ridge the previous week. Situated approximately 15 kilometers (10 miles) from the Israeli border, the ridge offers a commanding view of southeastern Lebanon. Hezbollah is believed to have built its extensive underground network following Israel's military withdrawal in 2000, after occupying the area from 1982 to 2000.