Jerusalem, July 31 (IANS) The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday said that it has dismantled several underground tunnels under the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon.
According to an IDF statement, the tunnel network served as a central command centre from which Hezbollah terrorists directed fire towards IDF soldiers and people of Israel.
While sharing the video of the tunnel on X, the IDF stated, “Dismantled: Several key underground tunnels in the tunnel network beneath the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon. The tunnel network served as a central command center from which Hezbollah terrorists directed fire toward IDF soldiers & Israeli civilians. It’s a strategic Hezbollah stronghold, consisting of several underground levels that were built over the course of two decades.”
In another statement shared on X, the IDF said that soldiers dismantled structures that were used by Hezbollah.
“Found in the heart of civilian infrastructure. Kalashnikov rifles, magazines, ammunition, grenades, explosives, explosive devices, anti-tank missiles and mortar shells in the area of Majdal Zoun. In addition, troops dismantled structures that had been used by Hezbollah,” the IDF posted on X.
On Wednesday, the IDF said that it has dismantled an underground tunnel that served as a headquarters for Hezbollah, located about 300 metres from a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) building, beneath a factory developing construction materials.
In a post on X, the IDF wrote, “Dismantled: An underground tunnel route that served as a headquarters for Hezbollah, located 300 metres from a UNIFIL building, beneath a factory producing construction materials. The tunnel was ~55 meters long and contained 3 living quarters. Additionally, soldiers located an underground shaft connected to the route containing dozens of weapons.”
In another statement, the IDF mentioned that it found Kalashnikov rifles, rocket-propelled grenade (RPGs), explosive devices, grenades, magazines and additional military equipment in the area of the Security Zone.
“Additionally, IDF soldiers identified a suspect in the Ras Bayada area who approached the soldiers in a manner that posed a threat to them. The soldiers fired toward him in order to remove the threat,” the IDF mentioned in a post on X.
The latest attacks have been reported before the next round of US-led talks between Israel and Lebanon. The talks between the two nations are set to be held in Rome from August 4 to 6, with technical teams seeking to advance a framework for an eventual peace and security agreement, the State Department said.
The discussions will focus on expanding a pilot zone in southern Lebanon, settling outstanding border disputes and moving towards full implementation of the framework agreement signed by the two countries last month.
“We are entering these discussions with significant momentum following the successful launch of the first pilot zone in southern Lebanon and President Aoun’s productive meeting with President Trump last week,” a State Department official said.
The Rome meeting will bring together technical groups from Israel and Lebanon. The United States has been brokering the talks between the two neighbours.
“In Rome, technical groups will focus on advancing the full implementation of the framework agreement,” the official said. “That includes expanding the pilot zone process, resolving all outstanding border issues, and working on a comprehensive peace and security agreement.”
–IANS
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