Israel says it destroyed major underground Hezbollah base in southern Lebanon

What happened

The BBC reports that the Israeli military claims to have destroyed a major underground Hezbollah base in southern Lebanon, using more than 1,000 tonnes of explosives to demolish over 2 kilometers of tunnels beneath the Ali Taher Ridge. The blast caused seismic activity measured by the US Geological Survey as equivalent to a magnitude 4.1 earthquake.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the underground infrastructure included a command center used by Hezbollah's Badr unit and stored rockets, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-tank weapons, mines, and explosives. The IDF described the facility as strategic infrastructure built and funded over two decades with support from Iran, although these attributions remain claims from the Israeli military.

The IDF said that all Hezbollah militants inside the complex were either killed or fled but did not provide independent verification. The destruction followed Israeli forces taking control of the ridge last week after months of fighting with Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran, in the area. The military also stated this action completed their mission to destroy eight tunnels and establish a security zone in southern Lebanon.

Known from the source

• The Israeli military claims to have destroyed more than 2 kilometers of Hezbollah tunnels beneath the Ali Taher Ridge using over 1,000 tonnes of explosives.
• The US Geological Survey recorded the blast as equivalent to a magnitude 4.1 earthquake.
• The IDF says the underground complex included a command center used by Hezbollah's Badr unit and stored various weapons and explosives.
• Israeli forces reportedly took control of the Ali Taher Ridge last week after months of fighting.
• Lebanese media reports fresh Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, including Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Mansouri.

What remains unclear

Meanwhile, Lebanon has seen continued Israeli strikes in the south, including reported attacks on Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Mansouri in the Tyre district. The Lebanese army has reportedly increased deployments outside Israeli-controlled areas to stabilize the situation and reassure local residents. The conflict continues within a complex framework of ceasefires, negotiations, and disputed control, with significant civilian displacement and casualties reported.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verification of Israeli military claims about the tunnel destruction and the elimination or flight of militants inside. Independent confirmation of Hezbollah involvement and any statements from Hezbollah or Lebanese officials. Details on any casualties or damage resulting from the blast.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: BBC Middle East Lebanon. Open the source.