Israel’s military operation in southern Lebanon culminated in the detonation of 1,000 tons of TNT beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge in the Nabatieh region, according to statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz reported by AFP and Reuters. The massive underground blast, which triggered a 4.1 magnitude earthquake felt by French news agency journalists on the ground, effectively destroyed a subterranean tunnel network allegedly constructed over the past two decades with Iranian backing, according to Israeli officials.
Strategic Control Over the Nabatieh Region
According to the Israeli Defense Department, Thursday evening’s controlled demolition achieved full operational control over the 600-meter-high ridge, both above and below the surface. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz stated that the destroyed location served as major terrorist infrastructure financed and planned by Iran. The Israeli government reported that forces will maintain their positions in the security zone to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities in the area. These claims come after weeks of daily airstrikes, artillery fire, and ground clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters that have left at least five Israeli soldiers and roughly 20 individuals from Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard dead, per Israeli figures.
Underground Infrastructure and Regional Fallout
Lebanese security sources previously told Reuters that Hezbollah maintained an underground command center and weapon depot inside the ridge. Last week, Hezbollah milita units warned the United States of severe retaliation if Israeli forces captured the strategic elevation located roughly 15 kilometers from the Israeli border. While the Israeli Defense Department released footage showing a massive fireball erupting over the mountain ridge, independent sources have not yet verified the images, and the total casualty count remains unclear following the blast that flattened nearby infrastructure in villages like Deir Zahrani.
Did you know? The controlled detonation of 1,000 tons of TNT beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge registered as a 4.1 magnitude earthquake, sending shockwaves through southern Lebanon that reporters on the ground could physically feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the 4.1 magnitude earthquake in southern Lebanon?
According to international news agencies and Israeli officials, the seismic activity was caused by the detonation of 1,000 tons of TNT packed into an underground tunnel network beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge.
Who controls the Ali al-Taher ridge following the explosion?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces have gained operational control of the area, both above and below ground, and intend to maintain a security presence to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing positions.
Are there confirmed casualties from the Nabatieh region blast?
Independent sources have not verified total casualties, though weeks of prior fighting in the area resulted in the deaths of at least five Israeli soldiers and approximately 20 members of Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
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