Israel destroys huge Hezbollah tunnel complex
On 11 September, Israel’s military announced it blew up a massive underground network built by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The strike used 1,000 tonnes of explosives to collapse two tunnels that ran over 2 km beneath the Ali Taher Ridge.
The explosion was felt like a 4.1‑magnitude earthquake and produced a fireball that lit up the night sky. Local residents reported a terrifying sound and near‑earth‑quake shaking, with people fleeing to Beirut for safety.
The Israel Defence Forces say the complex housed a command centre and dozens of rockets, missiles, unmanned aircraft, anti‑tank weapons, mines and explosives—assets funded by Iran. They claim every terrorist inside was eliminated or fled.
Israel says the blast completes a mission to destroy eight tunnels and establish a “security zone” in the area. Since the war began on 2 March, Israeli forces have occupied about 5 % of Lebanese territory and continued operations against Hezbollah positions.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 4,383 people, including women and children, have died in Israeli attacks since the conflict started; the Israeli side reports 40 soldiers and four civilians killed in the same period.
Leaders say the region remains tense, with ongoing strikes, new deployments by the Lebanese army and unresolved ceasefire agreements.
