The IDF revealed Tuesday that Israeli special forces operated beyond the Litani River in southern Lebanon during a weeklong raid against Hezbollah positions, in one of the deepest publicly confirmed ground operations in the area.

Forces from the Egoz Unit and Golani Reconnaissance crossed the river in secret and operated near Zawtar al-Sharqiya, about 6 miles from Israeli territory. The area was used by Hezbollah to fire rockets and mortars at IDF troops, according to Israeli reports.

During the operation, Israeli forces encountered Hezbollah terrorists at close range several times. In one clash, terrorists emerged from a tunnel shaft north of the Litani and opened fire at the troops. Several IDF soldiers were wounded during the fighting, and a dog from the Oketz canine unit was killed in one of the encounters.

Israeli reports said 15 Hezbollah terrorists were killed in the Litani area during the operation. Troops also located and destroyed underground infrastructure, weapons, mortars, launchers and compounds prepared for extended Hezbollah stays near the border. The Israeli Air Force struck more than 100 targets during the raid.

The operation stood out because IDF troops crossed the Litani alongside heavy Namer armored personnel carriers from Golani Reconnaissance. The Litani has long been treated by Israel as the key line for keeping Hezbollah away from northern communities, and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in March that Israel planned to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon up to the river after the war. This week’s operation showed the IDF can also move forces beyond it when needed.