Contending with Tunnels

When an underground threat emerges, states must identify the applicable legal framework, assess the legality of various counter-measures, and understand the methods available to detect and destroy the tunnel(s). This chapter therefore provides an overview of the legal regimes that may apply to tunnels—as well as their implications for states undertaking anti-tunnel measures. It also argues that states ought to put in place a long-term strategy for underground warfare, including detecting and mapping tunnels, neutralizing or destroying them, monitoring, and cooperation. Finally, it describes some of the most common methods for detecting and mapping tunnels, highlights their respective strengths and weaknesses, and advocates for a mix-and-match approach as no technology can, on its own, succeed at doing so.