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Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz Confirms Clearance of Hezbollah Tunnels Under the Ali al-Taher Ridge

Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the Israeli military has cleared Hezbollah fighters from the tunnels under the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. The military reported that it has achieved operational control of the ridge, which had been a contested area during the Israel-Hezbollah war. Hezbollah operatives were stationed in the underground infrastructures, which were planned and funded by Iran over a period of approximately 20 years. The military stated that some fighters were eliminated while others fled the tunnels. The complex included command rooms, weapons storage, and living quarters, allowing operatives to be underground for extended periods. The operation to capture the ridge was a complex maneuver that lasted several months. Engineering forces mapped and destroyed tunnels and weapons depots. The military noted that the ability to have Hezbollah carry out attacks from these sites was neutralized. Additionally, Israeli authorities transferred four people who were detained in Israel to Lebanese authorities via the International Committee of the Red Cross. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that these individuals were part of a first batch of detainees to be released as part of confidence-building measures.

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