The presence of tunnels on a battlefield significantly impacts all mission aspects, from tactical engagements to broader operational and strategic ramifications. Militaries have historically struggled with subterranean threats, as evidenced by U.S. losses in the Pacific and Vietnam, and French difficulties in Mali against AQIM. This domain exposes the limits of modern precision warfare, often leading states to employ highly destructive measures.
Despite historical challenges and the use of destructive measures like B-52 bombers, GBU-43/B MOABs in Afghanistan, and mass flooding in Egypt, the subterranean domain remains under-researched and underestimated. States have been hesitant to develop doctrine due to the versatility of underground uses, ranging from smuggling and hiding ammunition to protecting civilians, ambushing forces, and retaining command-and-control. Post-9/11, terrorist actors have adapted tunnel warfare, leveraging urban environments, information exchange, and shared goals, transforming it into a global security threat. Enhancing preparedness requires minimal investment in operational and strategic capabilities, focusing on accurate risk assessments, understanding tunnel impact on missions, and anticipating innovative future uses by state and non-state actors.
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