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The Israeli military allegedly targeted the top military official of Lebanon's Iran-aligned faction the Hezbollah organization in a airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs, as stated by the office of the Israeli PM on Sunday.

This was the initial airstrike in months on the southern district of the capital city, an region recognized for hosting Hezbollah officials.

Objective Named as Ali Tabtabai

The focus of the strike was the commanding officer the Hezbollah chief of staff, according to an source from Israel knowledgeable of the strike and a security official in Lebanon. The PM's office did not confirm whether Tabtabai was killed.

American Alert Details

A senior US official stated that Israel failed to inform Washington prior about the operation, per a social media post.

The official clarified that the US government was informed following the strike, and a another American official mentioned that the US had known for days that Israel was preparing to intensify operations in the country.

Background on the Military Leader

The United States imposed sanctions on Tabtabai in 2016, classifying him as a key Hezbollah military leader and providing a reward of up to five million dollars for intel on him.

Attack Particulars and Consequences

The blast hit a primary street in the capital's southern area, where inhabitants mentioned detecting the roar of jets before the blast.

People rushed out of their homes out of apprehension of additional attacks, per a reporter in the region.

At least two individuals were killed and several dozen were injured and rushed to hospitals in the vicinity, per medical sources.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.

Ongoing Israel's Operations

Attacks by Israel on Hezbollah over the recent period have taken the lives of its previous chief the group's past leader, much of the senior military leadership and about thousands of militants.

Statements from Israeli Leadership

The Israeli leader told his cabinet on the morning of the incident before the attack that Israel would persist to combat “terrorism” on multiple fronts.

“We will continue to do all that is required to prevent Hezbollah from restoring its ability to threaten us,” he said.

Wider Situation

Israeli forces has increased bombing raids in south Lebanon, pressing a campaign of near-daily attacks that it claims is designed to hinder a resurgence of forces by Hezbollah in the frontier region.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of attempting to acquire arms since a truce supported by the US the previous year.

The faction claims it has abided by requirements for it to terminate its military presence in the border region near the Israeli border, and for the military forces to position there.