According to the Israeli military and international news reports, Israeli forces detonated more than 1,100 tons of explosives to destroy an underground tunnel network beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon on September 10. The massive blasts triggered a 4.1-magnitude tremor recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey and completed the establishment of a declared security zone in the region.
Underground Destruction on Ali al-Taher Ridge
The explosions on the Ali al-Taher-høyden in the Nabatieh region produced shockwaves felt as far away as Saida, approximately 40 kilometers from Beirut, as reported by the Israeli news site Ynet. AFP journalists on the ground described severe ground shaking, while imagery published by the Israel Defense Forces showed a large fireball rising into the atmosphere shortly after the detonations.
According to The Times of Israel, the military operation utilized over 1,100 tons of explosives to target what officials described as extensive underground infrastructure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the destroyed facilities were built over two decades with Iranian funding and planning.
Did you know? The Ali al-Taher ridge stands roughly 600 meters high and is located well 15 kilometers from the Israeli border, making it a crucial vantage point and operational anchor in southern Lebanon.
Strategic Control and Security Zone Completion
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the operation successfully destroyed Hezbollah’s subterranean infrastructure on the ridge and finalized the establishment of a security zone in southern Lebanon. According to statements cited by AFP and Reuters, Israeli leadership claims the military now holds operational control over both the surface and subsurface of the strategic ridge.
The military action follows weeks of escalating artillery and air strikes around Nabatieh. Lebanese security sources told Reuters in the summer that the ridge housed underground command centers and weapons caches. Despite a ceasefire brokered over two months ago, sporadic violations have persisted across the southern border area.
Geopolitical Repercussions and Regional Warnings
Ahead of the offensive, Iran transmitted warnings to the United States via Oman, indicating that Tehran would respond forcefully to any major Israeli operation targeting Ali al-Taher, according to three sources who spoke to Reuters. Two of those sources noted that members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps were positioned alongside Hezbollah fighters near the ridge prior to the escalation.
Israeli forces have stated they will maintain a permanent presence in the area to prevent Hezbollah fighters from returning or rebuilding their military capacity. Independent verification of casualties or structural damage in the immediate vicinity remains limited as local authorities assess the aftermath of the seismic blasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the 4.1 magnitude tremor in southern Lebanon?
The U.S. Geological Survey registered a 4.1-magnitude seismic event immediately following the detonation of over 1,100 tons of explosives used by the Israeli military to destroy subterranean tunnels on the Ali al-Taher ridge.
Who claimed responsibility for the tunnel demolitions?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly claimed responsibility for the operation, stating that it neutralized two decades of Iranian-funded underground infrastructure.
How close is the Ali al-Taher ridge to the border?
The ridge is situated well 15 kilometers from the Israeli border within the Nabatieh region of southern Lebanon.
What are your thoughts on the ongoing security developments in southern Lebanon? Share your perspective in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for daily geopolitical updates.
Keep reading