Israel Claims Destruction of Major Hezbollah Underground Base in Southern Lebanon

Israel’s military says it has destroyed a large Hezbollah underground complex beneath the Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon. The IDF used more than 1,000 tonnes of explosives to smash two tunnels that combined to stretch over 2km (1.2 miles) beneath the ridge.

The blast triggered seismic activity measured by the U.S. Geological Survey to be equivalent to a magnitude 4.1 earthquake. No immediate response has come from Hezbollah or the Lebanese government.

Israeli forces seized control of the ridge last week after months of fighting with the Iran‑backed group. The IDF claims the underground complex housed a command centre for Hezbollah’s Badr unit, dozens of rockets, missiles, UAS, anti‑tank weapons, mines and other explosives.

Residents of Nabatieh, about 6km west of the ridge, reported intense fires and strong tremors that shook houses. They added that people fled the area for Beirut and that the quakes were felt in Saida 40km to the north.

The IDF said the destruction of the complex completed its mission to eliminate eight tunnels and establish a “security zone” in the region. This follows renewed fighting in southern Lebanon, where the military has expanded operations against Hezbollah positions.

Lebanon was drawn into the conflict in March when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for a strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader. Israel responded with a bombing campaign and occupation of about 5% of Lebanese territory. A ceasefire agreement signed in June between Iran and the U.S., along with a separate deal with Lebanon, is meant to see Hezbollah disarm, Israeli forces gradually withdraw and the Lebanese army redeploy. Hezbollah has rejected direct negotiations.

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli strikes and demolitions have continued. Total casualties reported by Lebanese authorities number 4,362, including 395 women and 259 children; Israeli figures cite 40 soldiers and four civilians killed. The war has displaced around 330,000 people in Lebanon and left the region still fragmented.