Israeli airstrikes destroy Hezbollah’s smuggling tunnel on the Lebanon-Syria border amid rising tensions

Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets struck a Hezbollah-operated smuggling tunnel on the Lebanon-Syria border, dealing a devastating blow to the group’s weapons supply network. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation on Sunday, stating that the tunnel, which previously facilitated arms transfers into Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, had been targeted before—but Hezbollah’s persistent attempts to restore it forced a renewed strike.

The air raid, carried out with precision-guided munitions, reduced the underground passage to rubble, cutting off a critical route used to funnel advanced weaponry from Syria into Hezbollah’s arsenal. Military officials emphasised that Israel will not tolerate efforts to rebuild the smuggling network, vowing continued action against any future attempts.

The strike comes amid increasing reports of violent clashes between Hezbollah and the newly formed Syrian transitional government. With Hezbollah’s influence in Syria facing fresh resistance, its reliance on covert supply lines has become more critical than ever. By targeting this tunnel, the IDF aims to choke off Hezbollah’s access to weapons and disrupt its military operations in both Lebanon and Syria.

Lebanese and Syrian sources reported intense explosions near the border, with local residents witnessing thick plumes of smoke rising from the targeted area. Unconfirmed reports suggest that militants may have been inside the tunnel at the time of the strike, raising speculation over potential casualties.

Tensions in the region continue to escalate, with Hezbollah vowing retaliation for recent Israeli operations. As Israel reinforces its stance on eliminating cross-border threats, the question remains—how long before this shadow war erupts into a full-scale confrontation?