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Israeli forces reportedly struck the top military official of Lebanon's Iran-aligned group the Hezbollah organization in a strike on the capital's southern suburbs, as stated by the office of the Israeli PM on the weekend.

This represented the first airstrike in months on the southern suburbs of the capital city, an zone renowned for sheltering officials from the group.

Objective Identified as Ali Tabtabai

The focus of the operation was the commanding officer Ali Tabtabai, per an Israeli source informed about the strike and a Lebanese security source. The PM's office did not state whether the official was fatally wounded.

American Alert Particulars

A senior US official stated that Israeli authorities failed to inform Washington beforehand about the operation, as mentioned in a online report.

The official added that the US government was notified immediately after the strike, and a another American official mentioned that the United States had had information for days that Israel was intending to intensify strikes in Lebanon.

History on the Target

The US imposed penalties on Tabtabai in 2016, labeling him as a key Hezbollah military leader and providing a incentive of up to five million dollars for intel on him.

Strike Particulars and Consequences

The airstrike hit a central avenue in Beirut's southern suburbs, where inhabitants reported hearing the noise of jets before the explosion.

People fled out of their apartment buildings out of apprehension of further strikes, as stated by a reporter in the region.

No fewer than two people were killed and two dozen were injured and rushed to clinics in the area, per health officials.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.

Ongoing Israel's Campaign

Attacks by Israel on the Lebanese faction over the past couple of years have eliminated its ex-head the group's past leader, a significant part of the high-ranking commanders and about 5,000 fighters.

Comments from Israeli Leadership

The prime minister told his cabinet on the morning of the incident before the attack that Israel would continue to combat “terrorism” on various arenas.

“Our efforts will persist to do everything needed to hinder Hezbollah from rebuilding its capacity to pose a danger to us,” he said.

Wider Context

Israeli forces has increased bombing raids in south Lebanon, continuing a operation of frequent strikes that it claims is intended to prevent a rebuilding of capabilities by Hezbollah in the border area.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of trying to rearm since a US-backed ceasefire the previous year.

The group asserts it has abided by requirements for it to cease its troop placement in the boundary zone near the Israeli border, and for the military forces to station there.