Israeli forces destroyed more than 2 kilometers of Hezbollah underground infrastructure beneath the Ali al-Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon tonight after establishing control over the area above and below ground.
The sprawling network housed a central command complex of Hezbollahโs Badr Unit, including command centers, weapons depots and living quarters designed for prolonged underground operations.
Dozens of Iranian-made rockets, missiles and UAVs were found inside, alongside anti-tank missiles, machine guns, mines and hundreds of explosive devices. The strategic facility had been developed over 2 decades with Iranian funding and planning.
IDF Spokesperson, Effie Defrin, on Mount Dov:
This network was built over two decades, funded and directed by the Iranian terrorist regime. In recent months, our forces have encircled the area and increased pressure on the routes and on the terrorists who were entrenched within. All the terrorists who were in the infrastructure have been eliminated or have fled. Despite Hezbollah's declaration that it would defend the infrastructure at all costs, it failed and even abandoned its people to die inside.
Alongside the achievements and the completion of the mission, the fighting has taken a heavy toll on us. Our soldiers, the best of our sons, the salt of the earth, fell in the battles to capture and clear the mountain. We have completed the mission, and these achievements are primarily for them. We will continue to protect the settlements in the north and work to remove any threat to our citizens and our forces. Just as we acted here, we will continue to operate along all the borders.
Joint statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz:
In accordance with the directive of the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister, the IDF has now destroyed the underground infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization on the Ali Taher ridge, thereby completing the organization of the security zone in southern Lebanon.
This is a strategic terror infrastructure that was built over two decades, funded and planned by Iran. The terror infrastructure and headquarters on the ridge were intended to serve as a base for the conquest of the Galilee and controlled observation and fire over Metula and Kiryat Shmona. Their destruction completes the achievement of operational control over the Ali Taher ridgeโboth above and below ground.
IDF forces are preparing to defend the area and to prevent the enemy's return to the territory.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 was measured in Lebanon as a result of the explosion.
