đ Share this article Israel Attack Lebanese group Military Leader in Lebanese capital Operation Israeli forces allegedly targeted the top military official of Lebanon's Iran-aligned group Hezbollah in a strike on the capital's southern suburbs, per the office of the Israeli PM on the weekend. This represented the first airstrike in months on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, an zone known for hosting Hezbollah officials. Target Named as Ali Tabtabai The focus of the attack was the army leader Ali Tabtabai, as reported by an source from Israel knowledgeable of the strike and a security official in Lebanon. The PM's office did not confirm whether the official was fatally wounded. US Notification Particulars A high-ranking American official stated that Israeli authorities did not alert the US administration in advance about the strike, as mentioned in a social media post. The authority clarified that the US government was alerted right after the incident, and a second senior US official said that the United States had known for several days that Israel was preparing to escalate strikes in Lebanon. Background on the Military Leader The United States enforced penalties on Tabtabai in 2016, identifying him as a key Hezbollah military leader and providing a incentive of up to five million dollars for information on him. Attack Particulars and Aftermath The airstrike impacted a main road in the capital's southern area, where locals stated noticing the noise of jets before the detonation. People fled out of their homes out of concern of additional attacks, as stated by a reporter in the area. No fewer than two people were fatally wounded and approximately 24 were hurt and taken to hospitals in the vicinity, per 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 the group's past leader, a significant part of the high-ranking commanders and about 5,000 fighters. Comments from Prime Minister The Israeli leader informed his government ministers on Sunday morning before the strike that Israel would continue to fight âmilitant activitiesâ on various arenas. âOur efforts will persist to do whatever is necessary to stop Hezbollah from restoring its capability to pose a danger to us,â he said. Broader Situation Israel has increased airstrikes in southern Lebanon, pressing a operation of near-daily attacks that it states is designed to hinder a rebuilding of capabilities by Hezbollah in the frontier region. Israel has accused the group of trying to restock weapons since a American-endorsed peace agreement the previous year. The group claims it has abided by requirements for it to end its troop placement in the frontier area near the Israeli border, and for the national army to station there.