The facility named Imad-4 – after a commander killed by Israel in 2008 – features extensive tunnels large enough to accommodate military trucks, missile launch pads and other combat vehicles. Footage from the facility shows trucks and mobile rocket launch vehicles moving through the tunnels, with the ability to launch missiles from within the bunker when the tunnel entrances open.
Lebanese newspaper Al Mayadeen reported that this is not the only such site, suggesting the existence of additional underground facilities. While the video aims to intimidate Israel amid rising tensions and the possibility of a broader conflict, the publication emphasized that Hezbollah is fully prepared for war if Tel Aviv escalates its actions. (Related: An Israel vs. Hezbollah War is brewing.)
Hezbollah's underground network, reportedly developed with the assistance of Iranian advisers, is designed to protect its missile capabilities from preemptive Israeli strikes. This development parallels Iran's own underground missile complexes. However, North Korea also played a significant role in developing these tunnels, drawing on its expertise in constructing tunnels in challenging terrains.
The video also highlights the advanced military infrastructure of Hezbollah (formally the Party of God) compared to Hamas, another organization and Tehran proxy. The extensive tunnel network set up by Hamas (formally the Islamic Resistance Movement) has enabled it to withstand Israeli military efforts. Guerrilla fighters have made use of the tunnels to strike and then retreat.
Israel claims to have killed at least 17,000 militants from Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, yet many more are believed to remain. If Israel were to launch an invasion of southern Lebanon, it would likely face an even greater challenge given Hezbollah's superior capabilities and fortified positions.
Hezbollah tunnels mapped out
The Times of Israel meanwhile reported that Tal Beeri, director of the nonprofit Alma Research and Education Center has been able to map out a network of Hezbollah tunnels. This network, which extends from southern Lebanon to northern Israel, extends across 36 regions, towns and villages.
Beeri, a former member of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), based his report on open-source intelligence. He described the tunnels that form a "map of polygons" as a "defense" strategy against a potential Israeli invasion. Beeri also outlined four types of tunnels used by Hezbollah.
Attack tunnels are designed for launching operations against Israel. These are large enough to accommodate vehicles and may surface within Israeli territory. Proximate tunnels are similar to attack tunnels but do not cross the Israeli border.
Tactical tunnels are smaller versions for moving militants and motorycle units. Their small size allow for quick retreats and rearming. Explosive tunnels are built to house explosives and are intended to be detonated if the IDF advances into Lebanon.
According to The Warzone, the parallels between Hezbollah’s tunnels and Iran’s underground missile bases are noted, with the tunnels possibly accommodating ballistic missiles like the Iranian-made Fateh-110. This missile, capable of hitting targets deep within Israel, presents a significant threat, especially when combined with the tunnel network's ability to conceal and protect these systems.
The increasing sophistication of Hezbollah's tunnel network underscores a growing threat to Israel, especially as tensions in the region escalate. Since the assassination of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr by Israel, the potential for retaliation involving these tunnels looms large. This network would likely play a key role in any future conflict, complicating Israel's efforts to neutralize Hezbollah, which is already considered the world’s most heavily armed non-state actor.
Watch Hezbollah's video of the Imad-4 underground missile bunker below.
This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
U.S. leading diplomatic efforts to prevent Israel from retaliating against Hezbollah strikes.
Hezbollah launches 200 rockets, drones toward Israel following killing of senior commander.
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