No Way Out: Dozens of Hezbollah Operatives Reportedly Trapped in a Tunnel Network in Southern Lebanon

Israel’s defense establishment estimates that dozens of Hezbollah operatives are trapped inside the strategic tunnel complex in the Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon, as IDF troops continue to hold the exit points and prevent them from reaching the surface. The N12 website reported this morning (Monday) that according to the assessment, the supply stock remaining for the operatives in the underground compound is expected to last only a few more days. The IDF is also preparing for the possibility that mounting pressure could lead them to try to catch the forces operating in the area by surprise.

The complex in the Ali Taher Ridge is currently considered one of the most complicated arenas in Lebanese territory. According to estimates, about 40 operatives are trapped in a network of tunnels and bunkers that Hezbollah built over the years. It is an extensive underground system stretching more than a kilometer, including a command-and-control center, weapons storage facilities, and installations intended for launching rockets.

Israel attacked the complex from the air in the past, but despite those strikes it was not destroyed, because its main sections are dug deep underground. Now, with IDF forces preventing any exit from the tunnels, the assessment is that the operatives are facing a growing shortage of supplies. Given the possibility that they may have no alternatives left, defense officials are preparing for a scenario in which they attempt to break out of the compound or carry out an offensive move against the forces surrounding the area.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met last night with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun as part of Aoun’s diplomatic visit to the United States. Later in the visit, Aoun is also expected to meet with President Donald Trump.

After the meeting, Rubio stressed that disarming Hezbollah is a central condition for Lebanon’s stability, and said the two discussed ways to remove the threat of the Shiite terrorist organization from the country: "The best thing that can happen to Lebanon is for them to have a legitimate government that controls the entire country."

Rubio added: "The biggest problem Lebanon has today is you have a political movement that also has an armed militia, one that has been equipped, trained and financed by Iran — and uses that to promote terror, primarily against northern Israel. As long as that problem exists, there will be no peace in Lebanon."

Rubio later addressed what he said is the way to deal with Hezbollah: "How do you defeat Hezbollah? You replace them with a government strong enough to be the sole authority responsible for the weapons of the state, and one that can offer prosperity. Lebanon’s security should be entrusted to the Lebanese army. We talked about ways to do that."

At the end of his remarks, the secretary of state expressed optimism about continued talks with the Lebanese leadership: "We had a very good meeting, and I am sure he will have a very good meeting with President Trump tomorrow as well. And I think President Aoun will be able to return to Lebanon and tell the citizens of the country that he is bringing good results for all the Lebanese people — Christians, Sunnis, Shiites, Bedouins and Druze. Not Hezbollah, and not Iran. He is the legitimate ruler, and his government should be the one leading the country."