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Israeli forces reportedly targeted the top military official of the Lebanese Iran-aligned group Hezbollah in a airstrike on the capital's southern district, per the Israeli prime minister's office on Sunday.

This was the first strike in several months on the southern district of the Lebanese capital, an zone known for sheltering officials from the group.

Target Named as Military Leader

The focus of the operation was the commanding officer Ali Tabtabai, as reported by an Israeli source knowledgeable of the incident and a security official in Lebanon. The PM's office did not reveal whether the official was killed.

US Notification Details

A senior US official stated that Israel did not notify the US administration in advance about the operation, per a online report.

The official noted that the administration was informed right after the incident, and a second senior US official stated that the US had known for days that Israeli forces was intending to intensify attacks in the country.

Background on the Military Leader

The US enforced penalties on the Hezbollah official in 2016, classifying him as a prominent military figure in the group and announcing a reward of up to five million dollars for details on him.

Strike Details and Aftermath

The strike struck a central avenue in the capital's southern suburbs, where locals mentioned noticing the noise of warplanes before the explosion.

Residents rushed out of their apartment buildings out of apprehension of additional attacks, as stated by a reporter in the area.

At least two individuals were killed and several dozen were hurt and transported to hospitals in the area, according to hospital staff.

There was no prompt response from Hezbollah.

Ongoing Israel's 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 group's top military brass and about five thousand combatants.

Comments from Prime Minister

The Israeli leader addressed his government ministers on the morning of the incident before the attack that Israel would persist to combat “militant activities” on several fronts.

“Our efforts will persist to do whatever is necessary to prevent Hezbollah from restoring its capacity to pose a danger to us,” he declared.

Broader Situation

Israeli forces has increased bombing raids in the southern region, pressing a operation of frequent strikes that it says is designed to prevent a military revival by Hezbollah in the boundary zone.

Israeli authorities has alleged Hezbollah of seeking to acquire arms since a American-endorsed peace agreement last year.

The faction asserts it has abided by stipulations for it to cease its armed deployment in the border region near Israel, and for the national army to position there.