13 km inside Lebanon: How IDF commandos seized Hezbollah stronghold Khiam in 36 hours

The IDF has released details of a significant Maglan commando operation during the Northern Arrows campaign, where forces advanced 13 kilometers into southern Lebanon to seize the Hezbollah stronghold of Khiam in 36 hours. The mission, undertaken in challenging November conditions, aimed to neutralize Hezbollah command centers and anti-tank capabilities threatening Metula. Lt. Col. Z., who commanded Maglan, stated, "We came into it as veterans of three battles, but this one was different from all the others. It combined depth with the front line." The operation utilized Maglan's unique "detection-and-strike" method, allowing the same force to identify and eliminate targets rapidly. After four days of preparation and positioning teams around Khiam, ground forces entered, engaging Hezbollah fighters in close-quarters combat. The IDF reported that Hezbollah's attempts to ambush were thwarted, leading to the defeat of their local command chain within 36 hours.