Lebanese Army Denies Report about Massive Action against Palestinian Camp
The Lebanese army on Saturday denied a report carried by the German news agency, DPA, that preparations were underway for a "massive operation" against the Palestinian refugee camp of Baddawi similar to the offensive launched against Nahr al-Bared last year.
DPA, citing a Lebanese security source, said Friday that the Lebanese army would likely kick off a massive military 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.
A statement by the Lebanese military command said the report was "untrue" and "fabricated."
It reiterated that Palestinian refugee camps are "home for our brethren and not under any circumstances a shelter for terrorists or to do acts that disturb the peace."
The statement described relations between the military institution and Palestinian leaders as "excellent."
The source, who spoke to DPA 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.