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Israeli forces allegedly targeted the top military official of Lebanon's Iran-backed faction Hezbollah in a operation on the capital's southern suburbs, according to the office of the Israeli PM on the weekend.

This was the initial strike in months on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, an zone known for housing Hezbollah officials.

Target Named as Ali Tabtabai

The objective of the attack was the army leader Ali Tabtabai, as reported by an source from Israel knowledgeable of the strike and a Lebanese security source. The prime minister's office did not state whether the official was eliminated.

US Alert Particulars

A high-ranking American official indicated that Israel did not notify the US administration prior about the airstrike, per a digital update.

The official noted that the US government was informed right after the strike, and a another American official said that the United States had known for days that Israel was intending to increase operations in Lebanon.

Background on the Target

The US imposed 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 $5m for information on him.

Strike Particulars and Consequences

The blast struck a main road in Beirut's southern area, where residents reported hearing the noise of warplanes before the explosion.

People hurried out of their homes out of concern of more bombings, according to a journalist in the area.

At least two individuals were lost their lives and several dozen were injured and transported to hospitals in the vicinity, as reported by health officials.

There was no prompt response from the group.

Ongoing Israeli Campaign

Israeli strikes on the Lebanese faction over the last two years have taken the lives of its previous chief the group's past leader, a large portion of the high-ranking commanders and about 5,000 fighters.

Statements from Prime Minister

The prime minister informed his cabinet on the morning of the incident before the attack that Israel would persist to combat “militant activities” on various arenas.

“We shall carry on to do whatever is necessary to hinder the group from restoring its capability to endanger our security,” he declared.

Broader Situation

Israeli forces has increased airstrikes in south Lebanon, pressing a campaign of frequent strikes that it says is aimed to block a rebuilding of capabilities by Hezbollah in the frontier region.

Israel has accused the group of attempting to rearm since a American-endorsed peace agreement last year.

The faction says 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 station there.