Hyderabad, July 31 -- Israeli forces set off an estimated 700-tonne underground explosion beneath the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon overnight Thursday, July 30, into Friday, July 31, saying the operation targeted an alleged Hezbollah tunnel network beneath the historic fortress.

The blast, near the town of Arnoun in Nabatieh governorate, was heard across southern Lebanon, including Saida and Iqlim al-Kharroub. Residents in Nabatieh reported clouds of dust drifting over the city, while the force of the explosion shattered windows in nearby towns and villages.

A joint statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and the Defence Ministry said the operation was ordered to destroy tunnels that Israel ...