Youths, standing on a wall of the house of Libya’s leader Muammar Gaddafi, form a human shield in Tripoli March 20, 2011. Thousands of Libyans packed into Muammar Gaddafi’s heavily fortified Tripoli compound on Saturday to form a human shield against possible air strikes by allied forces. Fireworks erupted into the night sky and people fired defiant shots into the air at the compound after allied warplanes went into action in eastern Libya to stop the Libyan leader’s forces attacking the rebel-held city of Benghazi.
Supporters of Libya’s leader Muammar Gaddafi form a human shield at his fortified compound in Tripoli March 19, 2011. Thousands of Libyans packed into Gaddafi’s heavily fortified Tripoli compound on Saturday to form a human shield against possible air strikes by allied forces. Fireworks erupted into the night sky and people fired defiant shots into the air at the compound after allied warplanes went into action in eastern Libya to stop the Libyan leader’s forces attacking the rebel-held city of Benghazi.
Two French Dassault Mirage 2000-5 aircraft prepare for take off from Dijon military base on a mission to overfly Libyan airspace in this ECPAD (French Defence communication and audiovisual production agency) handout photo, March 19, 2011. Western air forces, with Arab League approval, went into action in Libya on Saturday to curb attacks by Muammar Gaddafi’s forces on the revel stronghold of Benghazi, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said.
A pilot sits in the cockpit of a French Dassault Mirage 2000-5 aircraft before taking off on a mission to overfly Libyan airspace at Dijon military base in this ECPAD (French Defence communication and audiovisual production agency) handout photo March 19, 2011. Western air forces, with Arab League approval, went into action in Libya on Saturday to curb attacks by Muammar Gaddafi’s forces on the revel stronghold of Benghazi, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said.
French forces attack Libya
French warplanes have reportedly launched an all-out attack on the Libyan territories as violence continues to haunt the North African country.
Around 20 French aircraft bombed the positions of forces loyal to embattled Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi. The French plane fired the first shot in Libya at 1645 GMT and destroyed its target, according to a military spokesman.
A statement by the French Army says that a military vehicle belonging to Gaddafi forces has been targeted, AFP reported.
Meanwhile, witnesses were quoted by Al-Jazeera as saying that four Libyan tanks have also been destroyed by French warplanes.
The military spokesman said Paris is sending its Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Libyan coast.
The US and several other western countries’ air forces and navies are expected to join the French.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said the US would use its “unique capabilities” to reinforce its European allies.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper says a naval blockade is also being put in place around Libya’s coastal areas.
Canada, Norway and Denmark say they are ready to send their F-16 warplanes, while Italy, Spain and Britain will provide airbases and other military assistance.
France is also providing a major air base in the port city of Marseille.
Meanwhile, NATO members have met in Brussels for details of a military action plan.
The attack comes hours after French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Paris would lead an attack on Libyan territories in a bid to protect the civilian population.
Earlier in the day Colonel Gaddafi intensified attacks on the eastern city of Benghazi, killing more than two dozen revolutionaries.
The regime’s troops also downed an aircraft operated by revolutionary forces.
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Sebelum Itu…
Libyan rebels celebrate next to burning cars after Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s forces where pushed back from Benghazi, eastern Libya, Saturday, March 19, 2011. Explosions shook the Libyan city of Benghazi early on Saturday while a fighter jet was heard flying overhead, and residents said the eastern rebel stronghold was under attack from Muammar Gaddafi’s forces.
Libyan rebel fighters take position in a street in Benghazi on March 19, 2011, as the exodus began shortly after the first air strikes hit Benghazi.
Libyan rebel fighters take position in a street in Benghazi on March 19, 2011, as the exodus began shortly after the first air strikes hit Benghazi
Libyan rebel fighters direct a traffic of people fleeing from the city Benghazi in the town of al-Marej on March 19, 2011, after the first air strikes hit Benghazi
Hampir 26 orang terbunuh dalam serangan Tentera Gaddafi Ke Atas Benghazi
Gaddafi troops kill 26 in Benghazi
At least 26 of people have been killed and many others have been injured as forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi intensify attacks on eastern Libyan city of Benghazi.
Benghazi, long held by the opposition, came under heavy artillery fire and airstrikes on Saturday from several sides by forces loyal to the embattled Colonel.
Earlier in the day a fighter jet operated by revolutionary forces was downed by Gaddafi warplanes.
Clashes are also going on in the western city of Misratah.
Revolutionary forces say they have again gained control of the city after beating Gaddafi forces.
The attacks come despite an earlier claim by Gaddafi of immediate ceasefire and a halt to military operations. The UN Security Council authorized a no-fly zone over Libya on Thursday.
Meanwhile some reports suggest that French warplanes are conducting overflights across Libya to enforce the no-fly zone.
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