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Israeli forces allegedly targeted the chief of staff of the Lebanese Iran-aligned group the Hezbollah organization in a operation on Beirut's southern district, as stated by the Israeli prime minister's office on the weekend.

This marked the initial strike in months on the southern suburbs of the capital city, an area renowned for hosting officials from the group.

Target Identified as Military Leader

The objective of the operation was the commanding officer Ali Tabtabai, according to an source from Israel knowledgeable of the strike and a security official in Lebanon. The prime minister's office did not reveal whether the official was fatally wounded.

US Alert Particulars

A senior US official indicated that Israel failed to inform Washington prior about the operation, as mentioned in a social media post.

The official added that the US government was informed following the strike, and a another American official said that the US had been aware for days that Israeli forces was planning to increase strikes in the country.

Background on the Target

The US levied restrictions on the Hezbollah official in recent years, identifying him as a prominent military figure in the group and providing a reward of up to $5m for details on him.

Attack Particulars and Consequences

The blast hit a central avenue in the capital's southern suburbs, where inhabitants reported detecting the noise of jets before the explosion.

Civilians hurried out of their apartment buildings out of fear of more bombings, per a correspondent in the zone.

No fewer than two people were killed and several dozen were injured and taken to hospitals in the area, as reported by hospital staff.

There was no quick statement from the group.

Ongoing Israel's Campaign

Israeli strikes on the Lebanese faction over the last two years have eliminated its previous chief Hassan Nasrallah, a significant part of the high-ranking commanders and about five thousand combatants.

Comments from Prime Minister

The Israeli leader addressed his cabinet on the morning of the incident before the attack that the country would carry on to confront “militant activities” on several fronts.

“Our efforts will persist to do whatever is necessary to hinder Hezbollah from rebuilding its capacity to endanger our security,” he declared.

Wider Context

Israel has stepped up bombing raids in south Lebanon, pressing a operation of frequent strikes that it states is designed to block a resurgence of forces by Hezbollah in the border area.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of trying to restock weapons since a American-endorsed peace agreement last year.

The group claims it has abided by conditions for it to cease its military presence in the boundary zone near Israel, and for the military forces to deploy there.