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Israeli forces allegedly attacked the chief of staff of Lebanon's Iran-aligned faction the Hezbollah organization in a airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs, as stated by the Israeli prime minister's office on Sunday.

This marked the first strike in months on the southern district of the Lebanese capital, an region recognized for sheltering officials from the group.

Objective Named as Military Leader

The focus of the attack was the commanding officer the Hezbollah chief of staff, as reported by an Israeli source knowledgeable of the incident and a Lebanese security source. The PM's office did not confirm whether the official was fatally wounded.

US Alert Details

A high-ranking American official stated that Israel did not notify Washington in advance about the airstrike, as mentioned in a online report.

The authority added that the administration was notified immediately after the strike, and a another American official said that the US had had information for days that Israeli forces was intending to intensify operations in the country.

Background on the Target

The United States levied sanctions on Tabtabai in recent years, classifying him as a critical Hezbollah military leader and announcing a reward of up to $5m for information on him.

Strike Details and Consequences

The blast struck a central avenue in the capital's southern area, where locals mentioned hearing the noise of jets before the blast.

People hurried out of their homes out of fear of further strikes, per a correspondent in the region.

At least two individuals were killed and approximately 24 were wounded and transported to hospitals in the area, per hospital staff.

There was no quick statement from Hezbollah.

Ongoing Israel's Operations

Attacks by Israel on Hezbollah over the last two years have taken the lives of its ex-head the group's past leader, a large portion of the senior military leadership and about five thousand combatants.

Comments from Israeli Leadership

The Israeli leader informed his cabinet on the morning of the incident before the attack that the country would carry on to fight “militant activities” on various arenas.

“We shall carry on to do all that is required to hinder Hezbollah from restoring its capability to pose a danger to us,” he stated.

Wider Situation

Israel has stepped up air attacks in southern Lebanon, continuing a operation of frequent strikes that it states is intended to prevent a military revival by the faction in the boundary zone.

Israeli authorities has charged Hezbollah of attempting to acquire arms since a US-backed ceasefire last year.

The group claims it has complied with requirements for it to terminate its troop placement in the border region near the Israeli border, and for the military forces to deploy there.