Hezbollah Unveils Vast Underground Missile Complex

Latest Developments

The Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah released a video on August 16 showcasing a vast underground tunnel network that includes a precision missile launch site. It is the latest threatening message by Hezbollah as the group has warned it will widen its attacks on Israel. The tunnels seen in the new footage, which Hezbollah shared with the pro-Iranian Al-Mayadeen network, “show many terrorists operating inside them. The tunnels appear to be part of an underground network that, along with missiles, contains lighting, technology, and computers,” The Jerusalem Post reported. Hezbollah referred to the site as its Imad 4 facility and claimed that it had been undetected until now. The site contains a complex of tunnels large enough for trucks to drive through.

Expert Analysis

“Hezbollah unveiled a large underground missile facility to demonstrate its capabilities and the threat that it would pose to Israel in the event of a wider war. The extent of the underground tunnel complex shows how the international community and Lebanon have failed to curtail the group’s use of Lebanon as a terror base.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Hezbollah’s unveiling of what is likely one of its most strategic assets is no coincidence. With the threat of war on the horizon, Hezbollah is sending a clear message: We possess a sophisticated underground network of tunnels from which we can launch attacks on Israel. Furthermore, the revelation of this capability is not intended solely for Israel; it is also aimed at English-speaking audiences, reinforcing that Israel and Western powers will not easily defeat Hezbollah.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal 

Hezbollah Threatens Israel From Communities in Southern Lebanon

On August 16, Hezbollah terrorists were seen entering a building in the southern Lebanese village of Aitaroun. The Israel Defense Forces said they struck the building using an armed drone. The previous day, Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets at the Israeli community of Shamir, causing fires to break out. While more of the rockets were intercepted, Hezbollah claimed in a statement to pro-Iranian media that its attack represents an escalation by the group and an increase in the areas it is targeting inside Israel.

Israel has eliminated at least 411 Hezbollah members since the terrorist began its attacks on Israel in the aftermath of the Hamas atrocities of August 7. However, the Iranian-backed group continues to fire rockets and launch attack drones targeting Israel daily.

Related Analysis

“Hezbollah Targets Northern Israel With Drones,” FDD Flash Brief

“Multiple Injuries in Northern Israel After Hezbollah Drone Attack,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon,” FDD Flash Brief