Hezbollah underground tunnel network in Lebanon

Introduction

Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group and political party, has indeed developed an extensive network of underground tunnels and bunkers, primarily in southern Lebanon and other strategic areas. This underground infrastructure serves multiple purposes for the organization:

Tunnel Network

Hezbollah’s tunnel system is a sophisticated network that has been developed over several decades. The tunnels are primarily located in southern Lebanon, along the Lebanon-Israel border, but also extend to other areas:

Southern Lebanon: This region contains a vast network of tunnels used for military operations, storage, and movement of personnel.

Beirut Suburbs: Tunnels stretch under the southern suburbs of Beirut, where Hezbollah’s command and control centers are located.

Syria Border: Tunnels along the Lebanon-Syria border are used for smuggling weapons and supplies from Iran.

Construction and Features

The tunnels built by Hezbollah are notable for their complexity and durability:

Solid Rock Construction: Unlike Hamas tunnels in Gaza’s sandy terrain, Hezbollah’s tunnels are carved into solid rock, requiring significant time, resources, and expertise.

Size and Capacity: Some tunnels are large enough to accommodate trucks loaded with missiles and allow motorcycles to travel through them.

Infrastructure: The tunnels are equipped with lighting, ventilation, and sometimes plumbing, indicating they are designed for extended use.

Purposes

Hezbollah’s underground network serves various functions:

Military Operations: Allows fighters to move undetected and launch surprise attacks.

Weapons Storage: Used for storing missiles and other armaments.

Smuggling: Facilitates the movement of weapons and supplies, often circumventing Israeli surveillance.

Shelter: Provides protection for fighters during airstrikes or ground operations.

Command and Control: Some bunkers serve as command centers.

Recent Discoveries

Israeli military operations have uncovered several aspects of Hezbollah’s underground network:

In 2018, Israel discovered and destroyed six cross-border attack tunnels during “Operation Northern Shield”.

Recent Israeli military operations claim to have found “hundreds and hundreds” of underground positions in southern Lebanon.

The IDF reported finding a bunker beneath a hospital in Beirut allegedly containing cash and gold, though this claim is disputed by the hospital’s director.

Impact on Conflict

The existence of these tunnels and bunkers has significant implications for the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel:

They pose a security challenge for Israel, potentially enabling surprise attacks.

The tunnels have hindered Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon.

Their destruction has become a key objective for Israeli forces.

Conclusion

Hezbollah’s underground network represents a crucial component of its military strategy, providing the group with tactical advantages in its conflict with Israel. The full extent and capabilities of this network remain a subject of ongoing investigation and military operations.