Lebanese Army Seizes Hezbollah Bunkers Amid US Pressure

Exclusive Access to Hezbollah Installations

• 🗺️ The Lebanese army is under a tight deadline to dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure following a cease-fire agreement and Israeli actions.
• 🏞️ Special correspondent Simona Foltyn and videographer Adrian Hartrick were granted unprecedented access to Hezbollah's hidden military installations.
• ⛰️ These installations, tucked away deep in valleys and seamlessly blended into nature, were previously inaccessible to the Lebanese army and civilians.

Hezbollah's Weaponry and Operations

• 🚀 At one site, a 240-millimeter rocket launcher was discovered, with warhead rockets still inside, demonstrating Hezbollah's offensive capabilities.
• 💡 The operational method involved fighters descending into the bunker, activating a generator, using rail tracks to move the launcher, and then firing rockets at targets in Israel.
• ⚡ Components for these weapons were likely transported piece by piece over many years, but Israel managed to significantly degrade this infrastructure.

Army's Seizure and Challenges

• 📊 The Lebanese army has combed through 124,000 acres and seized over 230,000 weapons.
• ⚠️ Challenges faced by the army include the difficult terrain, harsh winter climate, and the inherent danger of working with explosives.
• 💥 Another facility, damaged by an Israeli strike, was prepared for detonation due to the presence of a large quantity of explosives.

Weapon Compatibility and Defense Concerns

• ⚖️ Most seized weapons are not compatible with the Lebanese army's Western weapon systems, being primarily of Eastern origin.
• 🛡️ The destruction of this equipment raises concerns about the country being left with few defenses.

Population Trust and Ongoing Conflict

• 🙏 Hezbollah has historically been viewed as a protector in the absence of a robust state, and the army is working to win the trust of the local population.
• 🚶 The army is navigating a delicate situation, attempting to de-escalate tensions and avoid further conflict with Israel.