Israeli forces Target Hezbollah Chief of Staff in Lebanese capital Airstrike
Israeli forces allegedly targeted the chief of staff of the Lebanese Iran-backed faction the Hezbollah organization in a airstrike on Beirut's southern district, according to the Israeli prime minister's office on the weekend.
This marked the first attack in several months on the southern suburbs of the capital city, an area known for sheltering Hezbollah officials.
Objective Named as Military Leader
The target of the operation was the commanding officer Ali Tabtabai, according to an source from Israel informed about the strike and a Lebanese security source. The PM's office did not state whether the official was fatally wounded.
US Alert Details
A senior US official indicated that Israel failed to inform Washington in advance about the operation, according to a social media post.
The authority noted that the administration was informed immediately after the incident, and a another American official mentioned that the US had had information for several days that Israeli forces was planning to intensify strikes in Lebanon.
Background on the Target
The US enforced restrictions on the Hezbollah official in recent years, classifying him as a key military figure in the group and providing a reward of up to five million dollars for information on him.
Strike Details and Consequences
The strike struck a primary street in the capital's southern suburbs, where locals reported noticing the noise of warplanes before the detonation.
People fled out of their residences out of fear of additional attacks, as stated by a correspondent in the region.
At least two people were fatally wounded and two dozen were wounded and transported to hospitals in the region, per medical sources.
There was no immediate comment from the organization.
Recent Israeli Campaign
Attacks by Israel on Hezbollah over the last two years have eliminated its previous chief Hassan Nasrallah, much of the senior military leadership and about thousands of militants.
Statements from Prime Minister
The Israeli leader told his government ministers on Sunday morning before the attack that the country would persist to confront “terrorism” on several fronts.
“Our efforts will persist to do all that is required to hinder the group from restoring its capability to endanger our security,” he said.
Wider Context
Israel has escalated air attacks in southern Lebanon, advancing a initiative of frequent strikes that it claims is designed to prevent a rebuilding of capabilities by Hezbollah in the boundary zone.
Israeli authorities has alleged the group of attempting to restock weapons since a American-endorsed peace agreement recently.
The faction asserts it has followed conditions for it to cease its military presence in the frontier area near the Israeli border, and for the military forces to deploy there.
