The IDF holds a strategic underground Hezbollah compound on the Ali al-Taher ridge near the Lebanese village of Tebnit, with some 30 Hezbollah operatives trapped inside, according to IDF briefings to military correspondents cited by Abu Ali Express. Hezbollah and Iran are reportedly trying to rescue the operatives and the site, which served as Hezbollah's southern front war room. Hezbollah claims Israel has not captured the ridge and that the ongoing fighting violates the ceasefire.
Hezbollah and Iran are now attempting to rescue the estimated 30 operatives trapped inside the underground compound on the Ali al-Taher ridge, according to IDF briefings to military correspondents cited by Abu Ali Express this evening (Saturday). The rescue effort comes hours after the IDF secured the fortified facility, which served as Hezbollah's southern front war room. Fighting continues around the ridge as both sides dispute control: Hezbollah claims Israel has not captured the ridge and that the ongoing battle violates the ceasefire.
As The Zioneer first reported at 21:03 Jerusalem on Saturday, the IDF had encircled and then taken control of the underground command post, with dozens of operatives besieged inside. By 21:10 Jerusalem, the IDF briefed that some 30 operatives were trapped and the site was a strategic Hezbollah asset of a type not previously captured. A background article published at 19:38 Jerusalem confirmed IDF operational control over the compound, which was built by Iran. The thread shows progressive corroboration: initial reports cited a single Israeli news outlet (N12); subsequent briefings added multiple channels and Abu Ali Express, with the IDF providing on-record numbers.
The ridge has been a flashpoint for days. As The Zioneer reported on Friday (09:32 Jerusalem), four IDF soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah tunnel ambush while seizing the strategic headquarters. By Friday night (23:03 Jerusalem), close-quarters combat was ongoing. Hezbollah stated Saturday afternoon (15:48 Jerusalem) that it remains committed to the ceasefire but will confront IDF advances at the ridge. The IDF has declared the area part of the security buffer ('yellow area').
It remains unclear whether the rescue effort by Hezbollah and Iran is making progress, whether any operatives have been extracted, or whether there are casualties on either side. The IDF has stated it is determined to clear the compound and destroy it.
5 developments
- DevelopingHezbollah says committed to ceasefire but will confront IDF advances at Ali al-Taher ridge
- StrongAnalyst warns renewed IDF push at Ali al-Taher ridge tonight amid strategic Hezbollah base
- StrongIDF ground troops battle Hezbollah at Ali Taher ridge, southern Lebanon
- StrongAl Jazeera confirms IDF maneuvering forces advancing toward Ali al-Taher ridge
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