IDF destroys Hezbollah tunnel on Syrian-Lebanese border

The Israeli Air Force carried out a targeted strike on an underground tunnel along the Lebanon-Syria border to disrupt Hezbollah’s weapon smuggling operations.

The tunnel, extending 3.5 kilometres, was used by Hezbollah for the transport and storage of weapons, Caliber.Az reports referring to IDF's press service.

The facility was operated by “Unit 4400,” which manages the transfer of Iranian arms to Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

The airstrike resulted in the destruction of military buildings, weapon depots, and additional infrastructure tied to the militant group.

Earlier reports indicated that an attack had occurred along the Masnaa-Jaydet Yabous highway on the night of October 4, a route regularly used by Hezbollah for arms trafficking.

In a separate incident, the Israeli Air Force launched a substantial strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, reportedly aiming to eliminate Hashim Safi al-Din, the successor to Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. It is believed that anti-bunker bombs were deployed in the attack.

Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, during Friday prayers in Tehran, accused the U.S. of supporting Israel to secure control over Middle Eastern resources.

"The US and its allies support the usurper regime (Israel) as a pretext for their broader aim to exploit the region’s resources and use Israel in global conflicts," Khamenei stated.

"What our armed forces did was the least punishment for the crimes of the Zionist regime, the U.S., and its allies," he stated, reflecting on Iran's October 1 strike on Israel.

He emphasized, "Whatever task the Islamic Republic faces in this field, it will fulfil it with strength and steadfastness. We are neither delaying nor rushing in carrying out our duty. These actions will continue if necessary."

On September 23, Israel launched "Northern Arrow," a military operation aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and securing its northern border. This operation escalated significantly on September 27, when Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel on the night of October 1. That same night, Israel initiated a ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli actions, stating that the ongoing aggression poses an existential threat to Lebanon.

By Tamilla Hasanova