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Israeli forces reportedly attacked the top military official of Lebanon's Iran-backed faction Hezbollah in a strike on the capital's southern district, per the Israeli prime minister's office on Sunday.

This marked the first attack in months on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, an area recognized for housing officials from the group.

Target Identified as Ali Tabtabai

The focus of the operation was the military official the Hezbollah chief of staff, according to an source from Israel briefed on the incident and a security official in Lebanon. The PM's office did not reveal whether the official was fatally wounded.

American Alert Particulars

A senior US official stated that Israeli authorities did not notify Washington in advance about the strike, according to a digital update.

The official clarified that the US government was informed right after the strike, and a second senior US official said that the United States had known for several days that Israel was intending to increase attacks in Lebanon.

Background on the Military Leader

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

Attack Details and Consequences

The airstrike hit a primary street in the capital's southern area, where inhabitants reported detecting the sound of jets before the explosion.

People fled out of their residences out of apprehension of more bombings, as stated by a journalist in the zone.

No fewer than two individuals were lost their lives and approximately 24 were wounded and taken to clinics in the area, per health officials.

There was no prompt response from the group.

Ongoing Israeli Campaign

Israeli strikes on Hezbollah over the past couple of years have taken the lives of its former leader Hassan Nasrallah, a significant part of the high-ranking commanders and about 5,000 fighters.

Comments from Prime Minister

The Israeli leader told his government ministers on Sunday morning before the attack that the country would continue to combat “terrorism” on various arenas.

“Our efforts will persist to do all that is required to stop Hezbollah from rebuilding its ability to pose a danger to us,” he stated.

Wider Situation

Israeli forces has increased air attacks in southern Lebanon, continuing a initiative of regular assaults that it says is aimed to prevent a rebuilding of capabilities by Hezbollah in the border area.

Israeli authorities has alleged Hezbollah of trying to restock weapons since a US-backed ceasefire recently.

The faction claims it has abided by stipulations for it to cease its troop placement in the boundary zone near the Israeli border, and for the military forces to deploy there.