IDF Destroys Hezbollah Weapons Storage, Drawing Rocket and Drone Barrage in Response

Latest Developments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) destroyed a large Hezbollah weapons depot during an airstrike in eastern Bekaa Valley in Lebanon on August 19. Following the strikes, secondary explosions were identified, indicating the presence of large amounts of weapons in the facilities struck,” the IDF noted. Social media posts reporting the incident showed a large fireball erupting from one of the facilities, followed by flashes of small subsequent explosions and projectiles dispersing in all directions. Reuters reported that there were no deaths as a result of the strike or subsequent explosions. According to the Lebanese health ministry, eight individuals were injured. The IDF also carried out strikes on Dier Qanoun and Tayibe, killing Hussein Ali Hussein Suleiman, a senior member of Hezbollah’s Rocket and Missile Unit, as well as a group of Hezbollah terrorists operating from one of the group’s facilities.

Expert Analysis

“Hezbollah has expanded the areas it is targeting, firing rockets in recent days at Israeli communities it had not targeted in the past. This illustrates how the terror group has not so far been deterred and is becoming increasingly bold in its deadly threats.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“The size and force of the secondary explosion at the Bekaa Valley weapons storage facility highlights Hezbollah’s massive weapons caches, rebuilt with advanced weapons supplied by Iran in the wake of Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon 2000. That the scattering munitions did not kill any civilians as a result is miraculous, as videos of the explosion show the facility located among a civilian population. Hezbollah’s disregard for the Lebanese civilians makes it as much of a danger to them as it is to Israel.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal 

Hezbollah Launches Barrage of Rockets and Drones Into Israel

Hezbollah responded on August 20 by launching multiple barrages at Israel’s northern territory, including 115 rockets and several drones toward the Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights. A portion of the rockets and drones were intercepted by Israel’s aerial defense system, while others fell in open areas, causing no injuries but starting multiple fires.  Hezbollah additionally launched 40 drones into the same area. The IDF responded on both occasions, destroying a rocket launcher and several buildings used by the organization. On August 19, a Hezbollah drone killed a Bedouin noncommissioned IDF officer, Mahmood Amaria, 45, and seriously injured another soldier.

Hezbollah and IDF’s Daily Exchanges

Tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed terrorist group have ratcheted up in recent weeks following the Israeli killing of its chief military commander, Fuad Shukr, in a strike on Beirut on July 30. Israel and Hezbollah have been trading blows across the border on a near daily basis following the October 7 Hamas onslaught in Israel. Hezbollah has launched more than 7,500 rocket attacks and 200 drone attacks on Israel in more than 10 months. Hezbollah has identified 415 members who were killed in Israeli airstrikes, while 72 of other terrorist organizations have also been killed in Lebanon. Hezbollah attacks have caused the deaths of 26 Israeli civilians and 19 IDF soldiers.

Related Analysis

“IDF Officer Killed in Hezbollah Drone Attack on Northern Israel,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hezbollah Unveils Vast Underground Missile Complex,” FDD Flash Brief

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

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