As the war in West Asia entered its sixth day, the Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah has deployed its elite commando unit, the Hezbollah Elite Radwan Force, to southern Lebanon to counter a possible ground advance by Israel .
Lebanese security sources said the highly trained fighters have been sent to border areas including Khiam with the objective of preventing Israeli tanks and ground troops from advancing deeper into Lebanese territory.
Return of Radwan Force to the Border
The Radwan Force is Hezbollah’s most elite military unit, trained specifically for special operations and cross-border combat.
- After the 2024 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the unit had withdrawn from the border areas.
- Under the ceasefire agreement, the fighters were moved north of the Latani river .
- The redeployment to southern Lebanon now signals a significant escalation in the conflict.
Security analysts say the move indicates that the confrontation could shift from mainly airstrikes to a full-scale ground battle.
What is the Radwan Force? Its Strength and Weapons
1️⃣ Organization and Formation
The Hezbollah Radwan Force is the most elite commando unit of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
This unit functions as Hezbollah’s special assault force and is considered one of the group’s most highly trained military formations.
The name “Radwan” was given in memory of senior Hezbollah military commander Imad Mughniyeh, whose code name was “Hajj Radwan.
”The primary objective of the Radwan Force is to carry out specialized military operations against the armed forces of Israel.
2️⃣ Key Missions
Members of the Radwan Force receive far more specialized training than regular fighters.
Their main missions include:
- Conducting cross-border special attacks
- Targeting armored vehicles and military installations.
- Guerrilla warfare operations
- Intelligence gathering
- Carrying out sabotage and special operations
According to Hezbollah’s strategy, these units are also prepared to cross the Israeli border and conduct attacks if required.
3️⃣ Military Training
Fighters in the Radwan Force undergo intense and advanced military training.
Their training includes:
- Mountain warfare
- Urban warfare
- Drone operations
- Sniper training
- Anti-tank combat tactics
Reports suggest that part of their training has taken place at military facilities in Iran.
4️⃣ Major Weapons
The Radwan Force uses a range of modern weapons and combat systems.
Some of their key weapons include:
- Anti-tank guided missiles
- Rocket launchers
- DronesSniper
- riflesMortar shells
- These weapons enable the unit to effectively target armored vehicles, military positions, and fortified bunkers.
5️⃣ Size and Strength
According to security assessments:
- The Radwan Force is estimated to have around 2,000 to 3,000 fighters.
- They are considered Hezbollah’s most elite and capable combat force.
6️⃣ Withdrawal
After the 2024 ConflictAfter the 2024 conflict between Israel and Lebanon, a ceasefire agreement was implemented.
Under that agreement:
- Radwan Force fighters withdrew from the border region.
- They were relocated north of the Litani River.
Their recent redeployment to southern Lebanon has raised concerns among analysts that the conflict could escalate further.
Hezbollah Joins the War Directly
Hezbollah entered the ongoing conflict following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali khamenei.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said the group’s involvement is part of a struggle for survival.
He stated that Hezbollah would resist what he described as Israeli aggression and defend Lebanon against any invasion.
Israel Strengthens Military Presence
Following Hezbollah’s deployment, Israel intensified its military operations along the Lebanon border.
- Additional troops and armored units have been deployed.
- Israeli warplanes have increased airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
- Military preparations along the border have also been expanded.
Israeli officials say the presence of Hezbollah fighters near the border poses a direct security threat.
Risk of Ground War
Military analysts warn that the return of the Radwan Force to southern Lebanon is a strong indication that the conflict could soon evolve into a large-scale ground confrontation.
If fighting escalates further, the Israel-Lebanon border could become a major front in the wider West Asian conflict, raising fears of a broader regional war.
