IDF Destroys Major Hezbollah Underground Complex on Ali Tahr Ridge
The IDF destroyed Hezbollah's strategic underground network beneath the Ali Tahr ridge in southern Lebanon, using 1,100 tons of explosives after a months-long operation.
The IDF announced that the strategic Ali Tahr ridge in southern Lebanon, where Iran and Hezbollah spent two decades constructing a major subterranean defense network, has been reduced to rubble following a complex military operation. Dubbed Operation "Chozev Lehavot" (Flame Splitter), the months-long offensive was led by the 36th Division, the Commando Brigade, and the Combat Engineering Yahalom unit.
According to senior military officials, the underground network spanned over 5.4 kilometers across 14 distinct routes. Approximately 50 terrorists barricaded themselves inside the subterranean complex, fighting fiercely. The operation culminated in the detonation of 1,100 tons of explosives, completely dismantling what the military described as a central command hub for Hezbollah's Badr Unit.
The Complex Subterranean Battle
The operation began with a tactical deception across the Litani River, allowing Golani reconnaissance units and the Egoz unit to outflank Hezbollah's defenses. As forces advanced, they met stiff resistance from entrenched operatives. The IDF noted that despite attempts by Hezbollah to supply the besieged fighters with food, water, and communications equipment, most of the terrorists were eliminated inside the tunnels or during escape attempts.
Senior commanders offered the entrenched fighters a chance to surrender with a white flag, but they refused. Military sources emphasized that no Iranian personnel were found inside the complex, dismissing earlier rumors.
Strategic Impact and Future Posture
Military officials stated that the destruction of the Ali Tahr ridge infrastructure severely impairs Hezbollah's command and control capabilities in southern Lebanon. Despite calls from Hezbollah for direct operational intervention from Tehran, the Iranian response remained lukewarm.
While the infrastructure has been completely destroyed, the IDF clarified that troops will maintain their positions along the Yellow Line to prevent Hezbollah from returning to the strategic area.
