The Lead
Israeli forces have uncovered a massive underground Hezbollah tunnel complex beneath the village of Majdal Zoun in southern Lebanon, containing hundreds of drones and missiles and what the military described as a subterranean drone 'airfield.' The facility, located approximately 10 kilometers from the Israeli border, was built with direct Iranian assistance and served as a strategic hub for launching long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) toward Israel.
The IDF revealed on Sunday evening the discovery of a significant underground fortification in the western sector of southern Lebanon. According to military officials, the complex in Majdal Zoun runs several hundred meters into a mountain, reaching depths of 29 meters (95 feet). The facility was found to contain 12 rooms used for living quarters and the storage of explosive charges, anti-tank missiles, and over 50 Iranian-made drones.
Strategic Subterranean Infrastructure
Elite units, including the Yahalom combat engineering unit and the 551st Brigade, identified the site as a 'drone airfield' where UAVs with wingspans of up to 2.5 meters were assembled and launched. The IDF stated that these drones were capable of reaching ranges between 200 and 500 kilometers, posing a direct threat to Israel's northern communities and the majority of its Mediterranean coastline. The tunnel included four specialized launch shafts directed toward Israeli territory, some of which were located beneath civilian structures, including a mosque.
Operational Context and Analysis
The discovery occurred during ongoing ground operations in the area, during which the IDF reported killing more than 20 Hezbollah operatives, including 10 members of the elite Radwan Force. Military analysts note that the scale and sophistication of the Majdal Zoun complex—built over the past decade with Iranian funding and planning—underscore the depth of Hezbollah's 'state-within-a-state' military infrastructure. The use of civilian villages as cover for such strategic assets remains a central component of Hezbollah's defensive and offensive doctrine.
Implications for Regional Security
The neutralization of this facility removes a significant long-range strike capability from Hezbollah's arsenal in the western sector. However, the IDF continues to operate against similar fortified positions across southern Lebanon. As of Sunday night, the military is working to fully dismantle the tunnel network and document the Iranian-made weaponry found within, as Israel remains on high alert for potential retaliatory strikes from both Hezbollah and its patrons in Tehran.
6 developments
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- IDF confirms elimination of PIJ Nukhba commander who abducted Yagil Yaakov on October 7
- Trump administration demands partial Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon
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