Israel reveals Hezbollah's underground drone facility in Lebanon

Amid ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, Israel has publicly exposed what it describes as a Hezbollah underground drone facility in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military revealed the site to media outlets, framing it as justification for continued airstrikes in the region.

The facility, situated approximately 6 kilometers from the Israeli border in the Lebanese village of Mazraat Jun, reportedly extends hundreds of meters into the mountainside and reaches a depth of 29 meters underground. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the base was constructed over the last ten years with substantial financial and logistical support from Iran. The area, previously designated as a buffer zone, was reportedly occupied by Israeli reserve commandos and paratroopers earlier in June.

During a guided tour for journalists, the IDF showcased the facility, which they claim Hezbollah used to assemble Iranian-made drones. Approximately 50 unmanned aerial vehicles, each capable of carrying about 30 kilograms of explosives, were discovered. The IDF identified these drones as potentially being the same type used in a previous attack on an Israeli brigade training base in October 2024. These drones are said to have a range of 200 to 500 kilometers, enabling them to reach targets throughout Israel.

Military analyst Fabian Hinz identified the drones as the "Qasef" model, designed by Iran and also used by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The IDF stated that the facility also contained approximately 8 tons of explosives. A commander from the IDF's special unit responsible for locating and destroying tunnels described the drones as a threat to all of Israel and expressed the unit's mission to neutralize Hezbollah's capabilities. The IDF intends to demolish the facility once its investigation is complete.

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These drones have been threatening all of Israel. We are here to neutralize these capabilities of Hezbollah.