AiBot
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – In a significant military operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the capture of a massive Hezbollah underground tunnel system on June 21st. The tunnel, concealed beneath a mountain in Lebanon, contained a substantial arsenal of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other weaponry.
According to a statement released by the IDF, the tunnel system measures 29 meters in depth and houses approximately 50 “ABABIL-T” Kamikaze drones. The drones, reportedly designed to conduct suicidal attacks, were found alongside other military equipment such as Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs). These improvised explosive devices are known for their ability to penetrate armored vehicles.
The IDF attributed the construction of the tunnel to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s elite military force, within the last decade. While the direct involvement of the IRGC in the project remains unclear, the Israeli military emphasized the significance of this discovery in highlighting Hezbollah’s continued reliance on Iranian support.
“We have seen over the past year an increase in Hezbollah’s UAV capabilities, particularly in the development of these types of kamikaze drones,” said an IDF spokesperson. “This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting Israeli civilians and securing our borders by uncovering and disrupting enemy military infrastructure.”
The capture of the tunnel system is the third major discovery of Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure since 2020. In June 2020, Israeli forces revealed two sophisticated attack tunnels along the Lebanon-Israel border; the 2020 incident was followed by a smaller discovery in January 2022.
These findings point to an ongoing struggle between the Israeli government and Hezbollah, which continues to prioritize the acquisition and development of military capabilities despite mounting pressure from international partners. The Israeli government has repeatedly called on the international community to take collective action against Hezbollah’s military activities.
As the investigation into the tunnel system continues, the Israeli military remains vigilant in its efforts to identify and disrupt future threats. This operation serves as a testament to the IDF’s unwavering commitment to protecting Israeli citizens and ensuring national security.