IDF says it killed six Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon, targets tunnel complex

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday that it had killed at least six Hezbollah operatives during operations in southern Lebanon, claiming the militants posed a threat to Israeli troops deployed in the area.

According to a Times of Israel report, citing the military, five Hezbollah operatives were spotted by soldiers from the Golani Brigade near Zawtar al-Sharqiyah.

In a separate incident, troops from the Commando Brigade identified an armed Hezbollah operative in the Ali Taher ridge area.

The IDF said the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes in coordination with ground forces, which also opened fire on the operatives. All six were killed in the two engagements, the military said.

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The military added that operations were continuing in the Ali Taher ridge area, where it claims Hezbollah maintains a large underground tunnel complex.

According to the IDF, around 30 Hezbollah operatives are currently believed to be inside the underground facility.

The military said it remains committed to preventing Hezbollah fighters from operating in the area.

"We will not allow Hezbollah terrorists to exit the underground tunnel network or operate in the area of the ridge," the IDF said.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah on the Israeli claims.

With inputs from agencies