Hezbollah tunnels

Nicholas Blanford, a Beirut-based Hezbollah expert considers that Hezbollah's tunnel networks began in the mid-1980s These tunnels were used shortly after launching its own military operations against the occupation state in the 1990s. However, the investment in tunnel construction has been increased since the early 2000s, due partially to the armed conflict with the South Lebanon Army and military operations against Israeli military posts in occupied Lebanese territory, and particularly since the 2006 Lebanon War. Israel has conducted operations to locate and destroy these tunnels, viewing them as a significant threat to its security. In April 2026, Syria reported it found two Hezbollah smuggling tunnels in the Qusayr region, near the village of village of Hosh al‑Sayed. The tunnels crossed the border from the Syrian territory to the Lebanese territory. Both tunnels were located within 24 hours of each other. Later sealed by the Syrian forces. Operation Northern Shield In December 2018, Israel launched "Operation Northern Shield" to detect and destroy the tunnels. In recent years, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have found and destroyed several tunnels crossing the border from Lebanon into Israel. == UN involvement ==

With the resolution 1701 of the Security Council agreed in 2006, the blue line was used to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the activities of armed groups. The resolution states that the area must be free of arms and armed personnel except for the Lebanese armed forces and UN peacekeepers, and no foreign forces can be present in Lebanon without the consent of its government. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is responsible for ensuring compliance by all parties with this resolution and has reported violations of resolution UN 1701 by both sides, Israel and Hezbollah, according to the Security Council reports. The UNIFIL was able to confirm the existence of only three of the tunnels that were reported by IDF. == Purposes ==

These tunnels serve various purposes, including: • Military Operations: They allow Hezbollah fighters to move undetected and launch surprise attacks against Israeli forces. • Smuggling: The tunnels are used for smuggling weapons and supplies, often circumventing Israeli surveillance. • Shelter: They provide protection for fighters during airstrikes or ground operations. • Logistics: The network facilitates communication and transportation of goods and personnel. == See also ==