Israel's Hezbollah tunnel operation triggers tremor in Lebanon
What's the story
In a major military operation, Israeli forces have destroyed a large underground tunnel network of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The operation, which took place under the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, triggered an explosion that was recorded as a 4.1-magnitude tremor by international seismic monitors. The shockwave was felt tens of kilometers away and registered near Nabatieh by both the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the Lebanese Seismological Center.
Operation details
Israeli military used around 1,100 tons of explosives
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the successful completion of the operation, which involved the use of around 1,100 tons of explosives.
The underground network was reportedly a key operational facility for Hezbollah's Badr Unit and included command centers, weapons storage areas, living quarters, and launch pads for drones and rockets aimed at northern Israel.
Official statements
Operation part of Israel's efforts to secure northern border
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation in a joint statement.
They said, "In accordance with the directive of the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister, the IDF has now destroyed the underground infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the Ali Taher ridge, thereby completing the consolidation of the security zone in southern Lebanon."
The operation is part of Israel's efforts to secure its northern border amid ongoing regional tensions.
Retaliation fears
Fears of Hezbollah retaliation amid ongoing regional tensions
The operation has raised fears of possible retaliation from Hezbollah, especially as it comes despite a June ceasefire.
Israeli media reports said the military was put on alert over these concerns.
The incident also comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment with international mediators preparing for upcoming Lebanese-Israeli negotiations aimed at establishing security conditions in southern Lebanon.
Diplomatic tensions
Lebanese government sources condemn scale of demolition
Lebanese government sources have condemned the scale of the demolition, citing risks to regional infrastructure and neighboring communities.
However, a Lebanese military official told Reuters that it remained unclear how far Israel had penetrated the tunnels.
The extent of Israeli control over Ali al-Taher ridge is also disputed, and local authorities expressed concern about the proximity of the blast to the major Roum fault line.