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The Israeli military allegedly struck the top military official of the Lebanese Iran-aligned group the Hezbollah organization in a operation on Beirut's southern district, per the Israeli prime minister's office on Sunday.

This marked the initial attack in months on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, an region known for hosting Hezbollah officials.

Target Named as Ali Tabtabai

The focus of the attack was the commanding officer the Hezbollah chief of staff, per an source from Israel briefed on the incident and a Lebanese security source. The PM's office did not reveal whether Tabtabai was eliminated.

American Alert Particulars

A high-ranking American official revealed that Israel did not notify the US administration beforehand about the strike, per a online report.

The official added that the administration was informed right after the incident, and a another American official stated that the United States had had information for several days that Israel was planning to escalate operations in the country.

History on the Military Leader

The United States levied penalties on the Hezbollah official in 2016, classifying him as a critical military figure in the group and providing a incentive of up to five million dollars for information on him.

Attack Details and Consequences

The blast impacted a main road in the capital's southern area, where inhabitants stated hearing the noise of jets before the explosion.

People hurried out of their homes out of fear of further strikes, as stated by a reporter in the region.

At least two people were killed and several dozen were hurt and taken to clinics in the vicinity, as reported by health officials.

There was no prompt response from the group.

Recent Israeli Operations

Attacks by Israel on the Lebanese faction over the last two years have taken the lives of its former leader the group's past leader, a large portion of the high-ranking commanders and about five thousand combatants.

Statements from Israeli Leadership

The Israeli leader informed his cabinet on Sunday morning before the strike that Israel would carry on to confront “terrorism” on various arenas.

“Our efforts will persist to do whatever is necessary to hinder the group from restoring its capability to threaten us,” he said.

Wider Context

Israeli forces has escalated air attacks in southern Lebanon, pressing a campaign of near-daily attacks that it says is intended to prevent a resurgence of forces by Hezbollah in the boundary zone.

Israel has alleged Hezbollah of trying to rearm since a US-backed ceasefire recently.

The faction says it has followed requirements for it to cease its troop placement in the border region near Israel, and for the Lebanese army to position there.