WE DID IT: Israel admits it launched daring raid on Iranian missile bunker in Syria

Israeli special forces pulled off a high-stakes operation to destroy an underground Iranian missile facility in Syria, marking one of their boldest strikes yet against Tehran's expanding weapons network in the region.

The raid, which senior military officials detailed Wednesday, saw elite Shaldag commandos dropped by helicopter into hostile territory. Their target was a sophisticated research and development bunker that Iran and Hezbollah had literally carved into a mountain.

Intelligence officials say Iran moved its missile operation underground after Israeli airstrikes repeatedly hit facilities above ground. The bunker was part of Tehran's push to speed up weapons shipments from Iran to Lebanon through its "land bridge" across Iraq and Syria.

Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar personally oversaw the mission's planning, which got the green light from Israel's top general, Lt. Gen. Hertzi Halevi. As the commandos went in, Israeli fighter jets circled overhead and rescue units stood ready.

"Precise intelligence let us strike at the heart of the facility fast," said a senior Israeli military official, speaking anonymously due to the operation's sensitive nature. The troops took out the facility's guards, planted explosives, and destroyed both the production line and research hub before making a quick exit back to Israel.

Walla! contributed to this article.