Israel says explosives destroyed Hezbollah tunnel complex in southern Lebanon
The Israeli military said more than 1,000 tonnes of explosives were used against two tunnels beneath Ali Taher Ridge, producing seismic activity equivalent to a magnitude 4.1 earthquake.
Israel’s military says it has destroyed a major Hezbollah underground complex beneath Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon, using more than 1,000 tonnes of explosives against two tunnels extending more than 2km.
The US Geological Survey assessed the resulting seismic activity as equivalent to a magnitude 4.1 earthquake. Residents near the ridge reported shaking, panic and evacuations, with tremors reportedly felt as far away as the coastal city of Saida.
The Israel Defense Forces said the complex contained a command centre used by Hezbollah’s Badr unit, along with rockets, missiles, unmanned aircraft, anti-tank weapons, mines and explosives. Those claims, as well as the reported construction of the site and the fate of people inside, were not independently verified in the material reviewed by the BBC.
Israeli forces took control of the ridge last week after months of fighting and continue to hold territory in southern Lebanon. The IDF said the operation completed a mission to destroy eight tunnels and establish a security zone.
Hezbollah and the Lebanese government had not issued an immediate public response. The operation comes as Israeli military activity and strikes continue in southern Lebanon despite a reduction in fighting following ceasefire arrangements.
The United Nations says about 330,000 people remain displaced in Lebanon. Under a framework between Lebanon and Israel, Hezbollah is expected to disarm, Israeli forces are to withdraw gradually from southern Lebanon and the Lebanese army is to deploy across the area.
