Israel says it has destroyed major underground Hezbollah base

What the report says

Israel’s military said it destroyed a major underground Hezbollah site in southern Lebanon, claiming the operation targeted a complex beneath Ali Taher Ridge that included more than 2km of tunnels. According to the Israeli Defense Forces, the demolition used over 1,000 tonnes of explosives and produced seismic effects that the US Geological Survey said were comparable to a magnitude 4.1 earthquake. The BBC reported that the blast was felt in nearby towns, prompting residents to flee and causing shock waves as far as Saida, about 40km away.

The IDF said the underground facility contained a command centre linked to Hezbollah’s Badr unit, along with rockets, missiles, drones, anti-tank weapons, mines and other explosives. It also said the strike completed a wider effort to dismantle eight tunnels and create what Israel describes as a security zone in the area. The Israeli military had taken control of the ridge the previous week amid renewed fighting in southern Lebanon.

There was no immediate public response from Hezbollah or the Lebanese government. The BBC noted that Israeli strikes and demolitions have continued despite earlier ceasefire understandings, and that Israel still occupies parts of southern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities have also deployed troops in some areas outside Israeli control to help stabilize the south. The broader conflict has caused heavy casualties in Lebanon and Israel, making the latest destruction another sign that the front remains active despite efforts to reduce hostilities.