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The Israeli military reportedly targeted the chief of staff of Lebanon's Iran-aligned group Hezbollah in a operation on the capital's southern suburbs, according to the Israeli prime minister's office on Sunday.

This represented the first airstrike in several months on the southern district of the capital city, an zone renowned for hosting officials from the group.

Target Named as Ali Tabtabai

The objective of the attack was the army leader the Hezbollah chief of staff, as reported by an source from Israel informed about the strike and a security official in Lebanon. The prime minister's office did not reveal whether Tabtabai was eliminated.

American Alert Particulars

A senior US official revealed that Israel did not alert Washington in advance about the airstrike, according to a digital update.

The authority noted that the administration was notified following the incident, and a second senior US official mentioned that the US had known for several days that Israel was planning to escalate operations in the country.

Background on the Military Leader

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

Strike Particulars and Aftermath

The strike struck a main road in Beirut's southern area, where residents stated hearing the noise of aircraft before the explosion.

Civilians fled out of their apartment buildings out of apprehension of more bombings, per a journalist in the region.

At least two individuals were fatally wounded and two dozen were hurt and taken to medical facilities in the region, per hospital staff.

There was no quick statement from the group.

Recent Israeli Campaign

Israeli strikes on Hezbollah over the past couple of years have eliminated its former leader the group's past leader, much of the high-ranking commanders and about 5,000 fighters.

Statements from Prime Minister

The Israeli leader addressed his government ministers on Sunday morning before the strike that Israel would carry on to fight “terrorism” on multiple fronts.

“We will continue to do all that is required to prevent Hezbollah from restoring its ability to endanger our security,” he said.

Wider Situation

Israeli forces has escalated bombing raids in southern Lebanon, advancing a campaign of frequent strikes that it states is aimed to block a military revival by the faction in the boundary zone.

Israel has alleged the group of trying to restock weapons since a American-endorsed peace agreement last year.

The faction claims it has complied with requirements for it to end its armed deployment in the boundary zone near the Israeli border, and for the Lebanese army to station there.