The Lebanese army on Friday was reportedly preparing a "massive operation" against the northern Palestinian refugee camp of Baddawi similar to the offensive launched against Nahr al-Bared last year.

The German news agency DPA, citing a Lebanese security source, said security forces would likely kick off a massive offensive against Baddawi if investigation proved that those responsible for the recent bombing attacks against the Lebanese army had took refuge in the shantytown with the protection of Salafi groups aligned with Fatah al-Islam extremists.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Syrian army had no intention to return to Lebanon.

He said Syrian troop buildup along the border with Lebanon was aimed at providing the Lebanese army with backup should the military decide to put an end to Salafis in north Lebanon.

According to semi-confirmed reports obtained by the "joint security authorities" between Lebanon and Syria, a number of al-Qaida commanders are trying to move from Iraq into northern Lebanon via some Arab countries.

The source said that the probe conducted by the army command will likely lead them to believe that the executors of the Tripoli car bomb are supporters of the Salafis and are still hiding in north Lebanon.

"Regional and global circumstances which do not allow direct Syrian intervention in Lebanon are helping Lebanon move forward, take such action and implement it after having done with field preparations," the source concluded.