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Israeli forces allegedly struck the chief of staff of Lebanon's Iran-aligned group Hezbollah in a airstrike on the capital's southern suburbs, according to the Israeli prime minister's office on the weekend.

This marked the initial attack in several months on the southern district of the Lebanese capital, an zone recognized for housing Hezbollah officials.

Target Named as Military Leader

The target of the strike was the army leader the Hezbollah chief of staff, per an source from Israel informed about the strike and a Lebanese security source. The prime minister's office did not state whether the official was eliminated.

American Alert Particulars

A senior US official indicated that Israel failed to inform Washington prior about the airstrike, as mentioned in a digital update.

The official added that the US government was notified following the strike, and a second senior US official stated that the US had been aware for several days that Israel was planning to intensify strikes in Lebanon.

Background on the Military Leader

The United States enforced penalties on the Hezbollah official in recent years, classifying him as a prominent military figure in the group and providing a bounty of up to $5m for information on him.

Strike Particulars and Consequences

The blast hit a primary street in the capital's southern area, where residents reported detecting the roar of warplanes before the blast.

Residents hurried out of their apartment buildings out of apprehension of more bombings, as stated by a reporter in the region.

No fewer than two people were lost their lives and two dozen were hurt and transported to hospitals in the region, according to medical sources.

There was no prompt response from the group.

Ongoing Israel's Operations

Israeli strikes on the Lebanese faction over the recent period have killed its former leader Hassan Nasrallah, a significant part of the high-ranking commanders and about 5,000 fighters.

Statements from Prime Minister

The Israeli leader informed his government ministers on the morning of the incident before the attack that Israel would continue to combat “terrorism” on multiple fronts.

“Our efforts will persist to do whatever is necessary to stop Hezbollah from rebuilding its capability to endanger our security,” he said.

Broader Context

Israeli forces has increased bombing raids in southern Lebanon, pressing a campaign of frequent strikes that it claims is aimed to prevent a military revival by Hezbollah in the border area.

Israel has alleged the group of seeking to acquire arms since a American-endorsed peace agreement recently.

The group says it has abided by stipulations for it to cease its military presence in the boundary zone near the Israeli border, and for the national army to station there.