Tunnel warfare, also known as underground warfare, is a form of warfare that involves fighting within and around underground tunnels and other subterranean structures. It poses significant challenges and difficulties for both the attacking and defending forces. This essay will discuss the various complexities and obstacles associated with tunnel warfare, highlighting the unique nature of this type of warfare.

During my ten tours in Afghanistan, I had the opportunity to conduct tunnel warfare. I am one of the few contemporary military leaders who had the experience of going into the tunnels. I know how dangerous, complex, uncertain, and challenging tunnel warfare is. B Company 1st Battalion 3rd Special Forces cleared the tunnels superbly.

Tunnel warfare has been employed in numerous conflicts, showcasing its effectiveness and impact on military operations. From ancient times to modern warfare, various civilizations and military forces have utilized tunnel warfare as a strategic and tactical tool. This essay will discuss some historical aspects of tunnel warfare, highlighting notable examples and their significance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of tunnel warfare can be traced back to ancient China during the Warring States period (476-221 BC). The Chinese engineer and strategist Zhuge Liang famously used tunnel warfare to overcome the fortress of Chengdu. His forces secretly dug tunnels beneath the city walls, allowing them to infiltrate and capture the stronghold. This successful employment of tunnel warfare demonstrated its potential to bypass fortifications and gain a tactical advantage.

During the Middle Ages, tunnel warfare continued to breach castle walls and fortifications. Siege warfare often involved the construction of tunnels, known as saps or mines, to undermine and collapse the enemy’s defenses. Such tunnels were particularly prominent in the Crusades, where both Christian and Muslim forces employed them extensively.

In more recent history, tunnel warfare played a significant role in World War I, particularly on the Western Front. An intricate network of underground tunnels supplemented the complex trenches that stretched across the battlefield. These tunnels served various purposes, including troop movements, supply lines, and surprise attacks on enemy positions. The Battle of Messines in 1917 is a notable example, where British forces successfully detonated a series of mines placed beneath German positions, resulting in a significant offensive breakthrough.

Tunnel warfare also featured prominently in the Vietnam War. The Viet Cong, a guerrilla force fighting against the United States and South Vietnamese forces, utilized an extensive network known as the Cu Chi tunnels. These tunnels provided the Viet Cong with hiding places, storage facilities, and tactical advantages against their more technologically advanced adversaries. The Cu Chi tunnels became a symbol of the resilience and resourcefulness of the Viet Cong and showcased the effectiveness of tunnel warfare in asymmetrical conflicts.

In recent years, tunnel warfare has been employed by non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations. Using tunnels by groups like Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon has posed significant challenges for the Israeli Defense Forces. These organizations have constructed complex tunnel networks for smuggling weapons, launching surprise attacks, and evading detection. The ongoing conflict in Syria has also seen the use of tunnels by various factions, further highlighting the continued relevance of tunnel warfare in modern warfare.

One of tunnel warfare’s primary difficulties is the defending force’s inherent advantage. The defenders have the luxury of familiarity with the tunnels, knowing the intricacies of the underground network. They can navigate through the labyrinthine passages swiftly and effectively, making it challenging for the attacking force to locate and neutralize them. Moreover, defenders can also set up booby traps, ambushes, and other defensive measures, further augmenting their advantage. On the other hand, the attackers have to rely on limited intelligence and risk exposure to hostile fire while navigating unfamiliar terrain, making progress slow and arduous.

Another significant challenge in tunnel warfare is the tunnel’s limited space and visibility. The confined and claustrophobic environment restricts the movements of both the attackers and defenders, making it difficult to employ conventional military tactics. The lack of visibility also hampers situational awareness, increasing the chances of friendly fire incidents and decreasing the effectiveness of coordinated maneuvers. Furthermore, the tunnels often lack proper ventilation, resulting in poor air quality, which can impede soldiers’ physical performance and lead to fatigue and health issues.

Communication and logistics also become exceedingly complex in tunnel warfare. Traditional means of communication, such as radio signals, may not work effectively due to the limited range and interference caused by the underground environment. This hampers coordination between different units and can lead to miscommunication, confusion, and, ultimately, the breakdown of the entire operation. Supplying troops with essential resources, such as food, water, and ammunition, also becomes a logistical nightmare, as the narrow tunnels make transporting large quantities of supplies challenging.

Furthermore, tunnel warfare presents significant psychological challenges for soldiers. The underground environment is dark, damp, and filled with uncertainty, which can harm the troops’ mental well-being. The constant threat of ambushes and booby traps heightens stress levels and can lead to anxiety and fear, potentially affecting soldiers’ decision-making and combat effectiveness. The psychological toll of fighting in such conditions can also lead to long-term mental health issues for soldiers, making the aftermath of tunnel warfare equally challenging.

Tunnel warfare significantly impacts military operations, influencing strategic planning, operational tactics, and the overall conduct of war. The unique challenges and complexities associated with tunnel warfare require military forces to adapt and develop specialized capabilities to engage in this type of combat effectively. This essay will discuss the impact of tunnel warfare on military operations, highlighting its influence on various aspects of military planning and execution.

One of the most noticeable impacts of tunnel warfare on military operations is the need for specialized training and equipment. Soldiers engaged in tunnel warfare must undergo rigorous training to navigate and fight in the confined and unfamiliar underground environment. They must learn to effectively clear tunnels, identify booby traps, and engage in close-quarters combat. Additionally, specialized equipment such as tunnel detection devices, night vision goggles, and portable ventilation systems are required to enhance soldiers’ capabilities and mitigate the challenges posed by the underground environment. The development and acquisition of such training and equipment require significant investment by military organizations.

Strategically, tunnel warfare can influence the decision-making process of military commanders. The presence of underground tunnels can significantly impact the assessment of the operational environment and the determination of objectives. Commanders must consider tunnel warfare’s potential advantages and disadvantages, weighing the risks and benefits associated with conducting operations in such a complex and challenging environment. Tunnels can also affect the choice of tactics and force allocation, as specialized units and equipment may be required to engage in tunnel warfare effectively.

The impact of tunnel warfare on military operations is also evident in the operational level of war. Underground tunnels significantly influence the planning and execution of military operations. Military forces must conduct thorough surveillance and intelligence gathering to identify the tunnel network’s location, layout, and complexity. This information is crucial for developing operational plans, identifying key objectives, and determining the best approach routes. Moreover, neutralizing or bypassing tunnel systems can impact the sequencing and coordination of military operations, potentially leading to longer and more complex campaigns.

Tunnel warfare also has implications for the conduct of combat at the tactical level. The presence of underground tunnels requires soldiers to adapt their tactics and techniques to engage the enemy effectively. Close-quarters combat, underground navigation, and the detection and neutralization of booby traps become critical skills for soldiers involved in tunnel warfare. The limited visibility and confined spaces also require soldiers to develop new communication, coordination, and fire control methods to mitigate the risks of friendly fire and maximize combat effectiveness.

In conclusion, tunnel warfare has proven to be a formidable strategy throughout different historical periods. Its impact on military systems has been significant, forcing commanders to adapt their tactics and develop countermeasures to deal with this underground dimension of warfare effectively. From ancient times to modern conflicts, tunnel warfare has allowed armies to bypass fortifications, launch surprise attacks, and gain a tactical advantage. As technology continues to evolve, so must the strategies employed to counter tunnel warfare. The lessons learned from the past will continue to shape military thinking and guide future approaches to this unique and challenging form of warfare.

Donald C. Bolduc