Hezbollah Military Capabilities: A Comprehensive Overview

Hezbollah, which can be characterized as a Lebanese Shia Islamist militia, has grown…

More important, Hezbollah managed to construct a significant military capacity with the help of Iran and Syria that seriously endangers the security in the region.

Military Organization

Hezbollah has the following military organizational setup:

Islamic Resistance: Basic Lowest military division that conducts military tasks against Israel.

Special Forces: Chosen troops who carry out special operations.

Intelligence Directorate: Agency that handles intelligence.

Logistics and Supply: Department in charge of supplies due to the procurement, storage and distribution activities.

Military Equipment

Hezbollah possesses the following military equipment:

Missiles: 100000-150000 missiles comprising of

short range-fajr-5, katyusha

medium ranged-fateh 110, scud-b

long range Zelzal-2, shahab 3

Artillery: in different calibers like 122mm, 155mm and 240 mm.

Anti-Tank: AT-3 Sagger AT – 4 Spigot, Kornet E.

Small Arms: AK-47, M-16 and sniper’s riffles.

Drones: Ababil, Shahed-129 drone manufactured by Iran.

Military Tactics

Hezbollah conducts:

Guerrilla Warfare: Sabotage, ambush attacks, and hit and run actions.

Asymmetric Warfare: Using non-combatants and non-combat theatres to defeat traditional military forces.

Tunnels Systems: Great Lengths of tunnels built for transports and movement of troops.

Electronic Warfare: Active measures that include intercepting and disrupting an enemy's communication.

Preparation and Action

In the military of Hezbollah there is a stamp of the following preparation:

Support from Iran: Administration and specialists from the IRGC.

Support from Syria: Military training and equipment from the Syrian Arab Army.

In-Country Training: There are recruitment and training units for the Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Regional Context

Concerning military power centers which reach far beyond the borders of these countries and are of regional importance:

The Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Every rocket and missile aimed at Israel and every guerrilla activity threatens the state of Israel.

The Syrian Civil War and Hizbollah’s Involvement: It fought for the Syrian government.

Crisis Stability in the Region: In this case, the military potential of the Hezbollah throws adverse effects in ensuring stability within the region.

International Response 

In response to this, the international community has:

Sanctions: Measures of military sanctions against Hezbollah’s economic apparatus.

Military Aid: Measures of assistance to consider in supporting Lebanese. 

Diplomatic Efforts: Current measures in the conflict about the disarming of Hezbollah and the inclusion of those members to the Lebanese political realm.

Final Thoughts

Hezbollah is a threat to any potential stability in the region with the military capacity at its disposal. The group’s organization, armament and combat methods, and the assistance from Iran and Syria, render it a strong body. It is critical to understand the military capacity of the Hezbollah in order to formulate policies to overcome the security issues in the region effectively.

*References*:

 "Hezbollah's Military Strength" - International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)

"Hezbollah's Military Capabilities" - Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)