About Us

The International Working Group on Subterranean Warfare held its inaugural meeting in December 2019 at Reichman University as part of the Subterranean Threats in War and Peace Conference. Find out more about the conference [here].

Exclusively devoted to subterranean warfare, the Working Group's online platform combines theoretical analysis and practical insights (tactical, operational, and strategic) on this specific subset of land warfare. It introduces experts who have academic or military experience in subterranean and have written about the unique features of this strategic environment from a variety of perspectives. It also serves as a repository for research in this field.

The creation of the International Working Group on Subterranean Warfare became necessary due to the renewed use of this age-old tactic of war on the contemporary battlefield, and the need for out-of-the-box thinking, information-sharing, and cross-fertilization. Since 9/11, virtually every conflict has featured underground warfare in one form or another. The appeal of the underground has led to an increased use of cross-border tunnels, primarily at the hands of violent groups like Al Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah, and ISIS, with a noticeable shift toward urban areas. North Korea and Syria have also relied on tunnels to achieve strategic objectives. Each of these actors has adapted the use of tunnels to their individual needs and the geological characteristics of the terrain. Adaptation, alongside innovation and changing patterns of diffusion of the tactic, has only accelerated the trend.

Though tunnels have been a feature of war from time immemorial, their increased popularity raises important tactical, legal, security, operational, and strategic questions that the Working Group looks forward to addressing.