Filed under: News, Politics, President Obama
The U.N. Security Council approved a no-fly zone over Libya Thursday as Muammar Qaddafi's military jets bombed the airport in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
Qaddafi proclaimed that the "hour of decision has come" and "there will be no mercy or compassion" for those who resist as he troops advanced to the besieged city.
"The matter has been decided... we are coming," he said in a telephone call to state television.
Qaddafi announced the assault as the U.N. approved the no-fly zone, which was sought by Washington to strike at Qaddafi's forces on land, sea and air.
"The future of Libya should be decided by the people of Libya," said U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice. "The United States stands with the people of Libya in support of their universal rights."
The measure would open the way for a no-fly zone and authorizes "all necessary measures" to protect civilians from attacks by Qaddafi's men.
The council voted 10-0, with Russia, China and Germany among the five abstaining.
In recent days, Qaddafi's forces have pounded the rebels, using rockets, artillery, tanks and warplanes.
On their way to Benghazi, Qaddafi's troops encircled the city of Ajdabiya. Some were believed to have advanced toward Benghazi, Libya's second-largest city and the headquarters of the opposition's leadership.
Source: NYDailyNews
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