Israel said it has destroyed an extensive Hezbollah tunnel network beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, with the powerful explosions reportedly triggering tremors that were registered as a magnitude 4.1 seismic event.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the underground infrastructure was demolished during an operation at the ridge, which Israel said it captured last week as part of its expanding security zone in southern Lebanon.
Footage shows the demolition of Hezbollah's tunnels beneath the Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon by the IDF tonight. pic.twitter.com/dpFDSok54n
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) September 10, 2026
Explosions felt across region
Journalists from Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported hearing powerful blasts and feeling shockwaves following the operation.
Lebanon's state news agency NNA described a "huge explosion" in the Nabatieh area that caused tremors and a loud roar across the region.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 4.1 seismic event was recorded in southern Lebanon shortly after the explosions.
Israel cites Iranian-backed infrastructure
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the tunnel complex was destroyed on their orders.
Joint Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 10, 2026
In accordance with the directive of the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister, the IDF has now destroyed the underground infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the Ali…
הבטחנו וקיימנו.
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) September 10, 2026
המחבלים חוסלו ומנהרות עלי טאהר הושמדו.
כל הכבוד לצה"ל 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/yd9n4KjqGH
They described the site as a strategic Hezbollah facility allegedly built over two decades with Iranian funding and planning.
According to the Israeli government, the underground network and command centre were intended to serve as a launch point for attacks into northern Israel, including the Galilee region, and overlooked the Israeli communities of Metula and Kiryat Shmona.
The statement said the destruction of the complex completed Israel's operational control of Ali al-Taher ridge above and below ground.
Weapons and command centre
The Israeli military said the tunnel system stretched for more than two kilometres and contained dozens of rockets, missiles and Iranian-made drones, as well as machine guns, anti-tank weapons, mines and explosives.
The IDF also said the complex housed a command centre belonging to Hezbollah's Badr Unit, which it described as responsible for an area of southern Lebanon north of the Litani River.
An Israeli military official told AFP that some Hezbollah fighters had withdrawn from the area, while others were killed in air strikes and artillery attacks.
Israel vows to maintain security zone
Israeli officials said troops would remain deployed in the area to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its presence.
The IDF said its forces would continue targeting infrastructure and any efforts by the group to restore military capabilities near the border.
An IDF spokesperson claimed the tunnel network had been constructed over two decades with Iranian support and said Israeli forces had intensified pressure on the area in recent months before completing the operation.
Tensions remain high
The operation comes despite a broader reduction in hostilities since understandings reached between the United States and Iran in June, alongside arrangements involving Lebanon and Israel.
According to AFP, Lebanese authorities say Israeli military operations since March have killed more than 4,300 people, while Israeli forces continue to maintain positions inside what they describe as a security zone in southern Lebanon.
Source: AFP, Times of Israel
