An Israeli soldier stands at the entrance of a Hezbollah tunnel on the border between Israel and Lebanon in northern Israel on May 29, 2019. Israeli military said on Thursday its forces have destroyed the "flagship attack tunnel," which was constructed by the Hezbollah militia and crossed from southern Lebanon into Israeli territory. (Xinhua/JINI/Ayal Margolin)
JERUSALEM, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Israeli military said on Thursday its forces have destroyed the "flagship attack tunnel," which was constructed by the Hezbollah militia and crossed from southern Lebanon into Israeli territory.
A military spokesperson said in a statement that the tunnel was "neutralized" by pumping sealants into it. "The portion of the tunnel in Lebanese territory was destroyed and the whole structure was rendered useless," said the spokesperson.
The beginning of the tunnel was traced to the Shi'ite village of Ramiyeh. It was exposed by Israel last January as part of its "Operation Northern Shield" and was "thoroughly investigated" by the Israeli forces.
"This tunnel was the flagship tunnel of Hezbollah's tunneling effort, in which Hezbollah invested the most resources and efforts," said the spokesperson. The infrastructure installed inside it allowed for a prolonged stay of militants inside, efficient excavation capabilities, and mobility of operatives, the spokesperson said.
During "Operation Northern Shield" earlier in 2019, Israel uncovered what it said was a network of "attack tunnels," through which the Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese military, planned to infiltrate into Israel.
Hezbollah has not commented on the Israeli operation and allegations.
Israel and Hezbollah last fought a full-fledged war in 2006.
