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The Israeli military reportedly targeted the chief of staff of Lebanon's Iran-backed group the Hezbollah organization in a airstrike on the capital's southern suburbs, per the Israeli prime minister's office on the weekend.

This marked the initial attack in months on the southern district of the Lebanese capital, an region renowned for sheltering officials from the group.

Objective Identified as Ali Tabtabai

The objective of the attack was the military official Ali Tabtabai, per an source from Israel informed about the incident and a security official in Lebanon. The PM's office did not state whether Tabtabai was fatally wounded.

American Notification Details

A senior US official indicated that Israeli authorities did not alert the US administration in advance about the operation, per a social media post.

The official noted that the administration was alerted immediately after the strike, and a another American official mentioned that the US had been aware for several days that Israel was planning to increase operations in the country.

Background on the Military Leader

The United States levied penalties on the Hezbollah official in recent years, identifying him as a prominent military figure in the group and providing a incentive of up to five million dollars for intel on him.

Attack Details and Consequences

The blast struck a primary street in Beirut's southern area, where locals stated hearing the roar of warplanes before the explosion.

Civilians fled out of their apartment buildings out of fear of additional attacks, per a journalist in the zone.

At least two people were lost their lives and approximately 24 were injured and transported to medical facilities in the area, per hospital staff.

There was no prompt response from the organization.

Ongoing Israel's Campaign

Israeli strikes on the Lebanese faction over the recent period have killed its former leader the group's past leader, a significant part of the group's top military brass and about 5,000 fighters.

Comments from Israeli Leadership

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

“We shall carry on to do all that is required to stop Hezbollah from re-establishing its capability to endanger our security,” he declared.

Broader Situation

Israeli forces has stepped up bombing raids in the southern region, continuing a operation of frequent strikes that it says is aimed to block a resurgence of forces by Hezbollah in the boundary zone.

Israel has alleged Hezbollah of trying to restock weapons since a American-endorsed peace agreement the previous year.

The group claims it has abided by stipulations for it to end its military presence in the border region near Israel, and for the military forces to station there.