The UN Security Council last night authorized a no-fly zone over Libya and approved a resolution permitting "all necessary measures" to protect civilians from Libyan leader Moamar Gaddafi's forces. The move is aimed at protecting rebel-held areas from air strikes and prevent the regime from bringing in more weapons and mercenaries from outside the country.
Diplomatic sources in France said Thursday that military action could come as soon as Friday and could include France, Britain, possibly the US and one or more Arab states. But a US military official said no immediate US action was expected following the vote.
Ten of the Council's 15 member states backed the resolution, with Russia, China and Germany among the five that abstained. There were no votes against the resolution.
