Israeli forces Attack Lebanese group Chief of Staff in Lebanese capital Operation
The Israeli military allegedly attacked the top military official of the Lebanese Iran-backed faction Hezbollah in a airstrike on Beirut's southern district, per the Israeli prime minister's office on Sunday.
This was the first airstrike in months on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, an zone renowned for hosting officials from the group.
Objective Identified as Ali Tabtabai
The target of the operation was the commanding officer the Hezbollah chief of staff, as reported by an source from Israel briefed on the strike and a Lebanese security source. The prime minister's office did not confirm whether Tabtabai was killed.
American Notification Details
A senior US official indicated that Israel did not alert Washington prior about the strike, as mentioned in a social media post.
The official noted that the administration was informed immediately after the strike, and a another American official mentioned that the US had been aware for days that Israeli forces was preparing to increase operations in the country.
Background on the Military Leader
The US imposed restrictions on Tabtabai in 2016, identifying him as a prominent military figure in the group and providing a reward of up to $5m for details on him.
Attack Particulars and Consequences
The strike hit a central avenue in Beirut's southern suburbs, where inhabitants reported hearing the noise of warplanes before the explosion.
People fled out of their homes out of fear of further strikes, according to a correspondent in the area.
At least two people were lost their lives and two dozen were hurt and transported to medical facilities in the area, according to health officials.
There was no quick statement from the group.
Recent Israel's Operations
Attacks by Israel on Hezbollah over the recent period have killed its ex-head the group's past leader, much of the group's top military brass and about 5,000 fighters.
Statements from Prime Minister
The Israeli leader addressed his government ministers on the morning of the incident before the attack that the country would persist to combat “terrorism” on multiple fronts.
“Our efforts will persist to do whatever is necessary to prevent the group from restoring its ability to threaten us,” he stated.
Broader Context
Israeli forces has increased air attacks in the southern region, continuing a operation of regular assaults that it claims is designed to hinder a rebuilding of capabilities by Hezbollah in the frontier region.
Israeli authorities has alleged the group of trying to restock weapons since a US-backed ceasefire last year.
The group asserts it has followed requirements for it to end its armed deployment in the frontier area near Israel, and for the military forces to deploy there.
