Israel defense minister hails capture of Ali al-Taher
Israel's defense minister on Friday hailed the capture of a strategic highland from Hezbollah as solidifying Israel's "security zone" in Lebanon and vowed that troops would not leave it.
"The capture of the Ali al-Taher ridge marks the completion of the phase of securing control in the security zone in southern Lebanon," Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.
Israel's military said on Thursday it had taken "operational control" of the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge area in southern Lebanon, the site of sporadic clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants in recent weeks. It's where Hezbollah is believed to have an extensive underground military facility.
The military said troops had cleared Hezbollah fighters from two underground routes, killing some while others fled. It said operations were ongoing.
There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.
The Ali al-Taher hill overlooks several villages as well as main roads leading to the city of Nabatieh. Losing control of it would disrupt Hezbollah’s presence and supply lines in the area.
Source: Agence France Presse, Associated Press
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