Hezbollah's underground tunnels (or Hezbollah Tunnels Network or Hezbollah's Underground Facilities, Arabic: أنفاق حزب الله) refer to an extensive network of underground passages[1] used by Hezbollah, primarily in southern Lebanon, along the Lebanon-Israel border.[2] These tunnels are often used for military purposes, such as smuggling weapons,[3] storing supplies,[1] and allowing fighters to move discreetly.[4] The tunnels have been a significant concern for Israel, which views them as a direct security threat.[5] The tunnels are often viewed as a violation of UN resolutions and contribute to the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.[6]
History
Hezbollah has invested significantly in tunnel construction since the early 2000s,[5][7] and particularly since the 2006 Lebanon War. Israel has conducted operations to locate and destroy these tunnels,[8] viewing them as a significant threat to its security.
Operation Northern Shield
In December 2018, Israel launched "Operation Northern Shield" to detect and destroy the tunnels.[9] In recent years, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have found and destroyed several tunnels crossing the border from Lebanon into Israel.[9][10]
UN involvement
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been involved in monitoring the situation.[9] They have confirmed the existence of tunnels[9] and have been working with both sides to maintain the fragile peace along the border.
Purposes
These tunnels serve various purposes, including:
- Military Operations: They allow Hezbollah fighters to move undetected and launch surprise attacks against Israeli forces.[4]
- Smuggling: The tunnels are used for smuggling weapons and supplies, often circumventing Israeli surveillance.[3]
- Shelter: They provide protection for fighters during airstrikes or ground operations.
- Logistics: The network facilitates communication and transportation of goods and personnel.
See also
References
- ^ a b Nashed, Mat. "Hezbollah's tunnel video threatens enemies but leaves much unknown". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
- ^ Dov Lieber. "Israeli Special Forces Launch Raids Into Lebanon Ahead of Expected Ground Incursion".
- ^ a b "IDF Conducts Ground Invasion of Hezbollah Tunnels Near Israel-Lebanon Border". Oneindia.
- ^ a b Amble, Patrick Sullivan, John Spencer, John (2024-10-02). "Israel's Campaign against Hezbollah and the Fight for Southern Lebanon's Tunnels". Modern War Institute. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "What do we know about Hezbollah's tunnels?". France 24. 2024-08-22. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
- ^ "Tunnels under 'Blue Line' between Lebanon, Israel Violate Resolution 1701 (2006), Peacekeeping Chief Says, Urging Calm in Briefing to Security Council | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases". press.un.org. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
- ^ "Hezbollah tunnel construction began before 2006 Second Lebanon War — report". The Times of Israel.
- ^ ToI Staff. "Troops said to enter Hezbollah tunnels with pre-invasion forays into Lebanon". The Times of Israel.
- ^ a b c d IDF Editorial Team. "Operation Northern Shield". www.idf.il. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
- ^ Loveday Morris and Ruth Eglash. "Israel announces operation to destroy Hezbollah tunnels under its northern border". Washington Post.