A 4.1-magnitude tremor was recorded in southern Lebanon after Israeli forces carried out a massive explosion to destroy what Israel described as a key Hezbollah tunnel network beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the 4.1-magnitude seismic event in the area following the explosion. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that the blast caused strong tremors and a powerful rumble across the region.
The Israeli military said it had destroyed underground infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the operation completed Israel's operational control of the strategic area, both above and below ground.
According to Israeli officials, the tunnel network extended for more than two kilometres and had been developed over several years. The military said the underground routes had been used as part of Hezbollah's infrastructure in the region.
The Ali al-Taher ridge, located around 15 kilometres from the Israel-Lebanon border, is considered strategically important because of its elevated position overlooking parts of southern Lebanon. Israeli officials have said Hezbollah previously used the area to launch attacks towards Israeli border communities.
The destruction of the tunnels follows weeks of Israeli military operations around the ridge. Israeli forces said the majority of the underground network had been rendered unusable, while operations would continue to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding or using the area for attacks.
The seismic event was linked to the powerful explosion rather than being treated as a conventional tectonic earthquake. Reports said the blast was strong enough to be detected by seismic monitoring stations and felt across parts of southern Lebanon.
The development comes amid continued tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire. Israel has continued military operations and airstrikes in parts of Lebanon, while Hezbollah has also carried out attacks against Israeli targets.
