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Israeli military forces carried out massive explosions around the historic Citadel of Shaqif area in southern Lebanon, according to the official Lebanese state media. The operation, which took place at midnight, targeted what Israeli officials described as Hezbollah tunnels. The National News Agency reported that the blasts generated unprecedented shockwaves felt across southern Lebanon, shattering windows in nearby residential towns.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Status and Ministry of Culture Assessment
The targeted historic region holds international significance as a site designated by UNESCO on an urgent basis within both the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger. Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture stated that the explosions struck the area directly opposite the citadel itself. While the ministry confirmed that the citadel structure was not destroyed, officials warned that the intense vibrations may have caused structural damage to the immediate surroundings. Assessing the full extent of these impacts remains impossible without a direct field inspection, which is currently blocked by the presence of Israeli military forces in the area.
Israeli Military Operations and Explosives Used
In a joint public statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the military successfully destroyed the tunnels in the Shaqif region. The joint statement specified that the operation utilized approximately 700 tons of explosives. The scale of the midnight demolitions drew immediate attention from state reporters, who documented widespread acoustic impact and property damage to windows in surrounding villages throughout south Lebanon.
Did You Know? The Citadel of Shaqif in southern Lebanon is officially recognized by UNESCO on an urgent basis as part of both the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Without immediate on-the-ground access for cultural heritage experts, verifying the structural integrity of ancient monuments following heavy blasts remains a critical obstacle for preservationists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas were targeted in southern Lebanon?
According to Lebanese state media and the Ministry of Culture, the explosions took place in the historic Citadel of Shaqif area and the zone directly opposite the citadel.
Was the Citadel of Shaqif destroyed?
No, Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture confirmed that the citadel itself was not destroyed, though officials noted that subsequent vibrations may have caused surrounding damage.
How many explosives were used by the Israeli military?
According to a joint statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, the military used approximately 700 tons of explosives to destroy tunnels in the area.
How will the restrictions on field inspections impact the official assessment of heritage sites in southern Lebanon?
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