Israel's military said on Thursday it had taken “operational control” of the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge area in southern Lebanon, the site of sporadic clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in recent weeks. It is where Hezbollah is believed to have an extensive underground military facility.
The military said troops had cleared Hezbollah fighters from two underground routes, killing some while others fled. It said operations were ongoing.
Operations aimed at neutralizing underground infrastructure, after clearing them of Hezbollah operatives, are ongoing, with the military set to redeploy defensively following the completion of the activity, based on a situational assessment, it added.
The military accused the fighters inside the facilities of working to carry out plots against Israel and army forces. It noted that operations in the area in recent weeks have neutralized the capability to launch attacks against Israelis and army forces from it.
The Israeli army stated that inside the underground infrastructure, it discovered operations rooms, rooms designated for combat gear, and others for generators and accommodation, in addition to showering facilities and a kitchen, allowing Hezbollah fighters to manage combat and remain inside for extended periods.
It described these facilities as “strategic infrastructure” built over two decades, saying they were planned and funded by the Iranian regime.
There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.
The Israeli army said its forces will continue to clear the occupied so-called “security zone” in southern Lebanon of Hezbollah, saying it will not allow the party to carry out plots against it,
Any attempt by Hezbollah to launch attacks against the army “will be met with force,” warned Israel, while saying it was committed to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.
The Ali al-Taher hill overlooks several villages as well as main roads leading to the city of Nabatieh. Losing control of it would disrupt Hezbollah’s presence and supply lines in the area.
