Israel destroys major Hezbollah tunnel base in Lebanon
The Israeli military used over 1,000 tonnes of explosives to destroy Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon, triggering a 4.1 magnitude seismic tremor.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- The Israeli military used over 1,000 tonnes of explosives to demolish two tunnels spanning more than 2km.
- The massive blast triggered seismic activity equivalent to a magnitude 4.1 earthquake.
- The underground complex beneath Ali Taher Ridge contained a command center and numerous weapons.
- Lebanese health officials report at least 4,383 fatalities since fighting escalated on March 2.
The Israeli military has announced the destruction of a massive underground complex operated by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The operation utilized more than 1,000 tonnes of explosives to obliterate two tunnels stretching over 2 kilometers, or 1.2 miles, located beneath the Ali Taher Ridge.
According to the US Geological Survey, the powerful detonation triggered seismic activity equivalent to a magnitude 4.1 earthquake. Tremors were felt as far away as the coastal city of Saida, 40 kilometers to the north. Residents in Nabatieh, situated about 6 kilometers west of the ridge, described terrifying scenes to the BBC, noting that their homes shook violently as if a real earthquake had struck while roads filled with fleeing citizens.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the subterranean infrastructure had been constructed over two decades with funding and planning from Iran. The tunnels housed a command center used by Hezbollah's Badr unit, alongside dozens of rockets, missiles, anti-tank weapons, landmines, and drones. The military stated that this action successfully completed a broader mission to dismantle eight tunnels and establish a security zone near the border.
The ongoing military campaign in southern Lebanon underscores the complex dynamics of the regional conflict that reignited in March. The systematic targeting of underground networks highlights Israel's strategic focus on degrading Hezbollah's cross-border capabilities, while hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians continue to face severe humanitarian challenges across the country.
"The sky lit up and about 15 seconds later we heard the terrifying sound. The house shook all together as if it was literally an earthquake."
Ahamed, Nabatieh resident
Meanwhile, the Lebanese health ministry reports that at least 4,383 people have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli attacks since March 2, while Israeli authorities report 40 soldiers and four civilians killed during the same timeframe. Despite prior diplomatic efforts and ceasefire frameworks, Israeli airstrikes and structural demolitions in southern Lebanon persist alongside increased deployments by the Lebanese army.
Source: BBC World
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