Israeli forces recently demolished a critical Hezbollah tunnel complex on the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. The operation involved a massive detonation that registered as a 4.1 magnitude tremor, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The 1,100-ton blast that shook the Nabatieh region
The destruction of the Ali al-Taher ridge complex was achieved through the use of 1,100 tons of explosives, a scale of demolition that sent shockwaves for miles. As reported by the Lebanese state-run National News Agency, the blast caused a powerful rumble and tremors across the Nabatieh region. Footage released by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz depicted the night sky filled with orange fire and billowing smoke as the underground facliity was obliterated.
Local residents in Majayoun described the event as a violent upheaval, with some reporting that their homes shook during the explosion. This operation follows the Israeli military's announcement last week that it had successfully captured the ridge, which sits approximately 15 kilometers from the Israeli border and provides a commanding view of southeastern Lebanon.
Two kilometers of Iranian-funded weaponry and 'Badr' unit command
The Israeli army stated that the destroyed infrastructure extended for more than two kilometers and served as a major logistics and command hub. according to the Israeli army, the network contained dozens of Iranian-made rockets , missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), alongside hundreds of mines and anti-tank missiles. the complex also housed a command center for Hezbollah's 'Badr' unit, a specialized wing of the organization.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement claiming the infrastructure was built over two decades with Iranian funding and planning. The IDF reported that dozens of Hezbollah fighters were found dead inside the tunnels, while others were eliminated via artillery and aerial strikes before the final demolition.
The Ali al-Taher ridge: A strategic flashpoint since 1982
The battle for the Ali al-Taher ridge is part of a decades-long struggle for control over southern Lebanon. The Israeli military previously occupied this specific ridge from 1982 until 2000; however , Hezbollah is believed to have constructed the extensive underground network immediately following the Israeli withdrawal. This pattern of "strategic depth"—building subterranean fortresses to offset aerial superiority—has become a hallmark of Iran-backed forces in the region.
The current escalation follows a period of relative instability. While a lull in violence occurred after June agreements involving the United States, Iran, and Lebanon, striks have intensified recently. this latest operation represents a total shift in operational control, both above and below ground, for the Israeli Defense Forces on this specific terrain.
Why Hezbollah rejected the US proposal for Lebanese army control
A critical point of diplomatic failure occurred during US-sponsored negotiations, where the United States proposed that the Lebanese army take control of the Ali al-Taher ridge to prevent further conflict. According to a source close to the parties cited by AFP, Hezbollah flatly refused this arrangement, preferring to maintain its own military presence on the ridge.
This refusal leaves several questions unanswered. It remains unclear why Hezbollah viewed the Lebanese national army as an unacceptable alternative for securing the ridge, or whether Iran specifically vetoed the US proposal to maintain its direct launch capabilities. Furthermore, while Beirut authorities report that Israeli strikes have killed over 4,300 people since March, the exact number of Hezbollah combatants lost in the Ali al-Taher operation remains unverified beyond the "dozens" cited by Israeli sourecs.
Comments 0