Lebanon: Israeli Forces Surround Hezbollah Fighters In Tunnel Network

Israeli forces have reportedly surrounded approximately 40 Hezbollah fighters within an extensive tunnel network beneath the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, a key flashpoint area. According to Israeli media Mako, troops have secured the tunnel system's entrances and exits, anticipating that the fighters' supplies will deplete within days. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for potential attempts by the encircled fighters to break the siege or launch attacks. Israeli military officials describe the Ali Taher ridge as their most challenging operational area in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah has constructed a kilometer-long underground complex for command-and-control, weapons, and rocket launches. While airstrikes have targeted the complex, its deep construction prevented full destruction, leading ground forces to focus on sealing access points.