Libyan Airstrikes to Begin 'Within Hours,' Says France

A UN resolution has authorized 'all necessary action' to protect civilians from Moammar Gadhafi’s forces.

Is it too little, too late? With Gadhafi’s military approaching rebel-held Benghazi, the 15-member UN Security Council passed a resolution authorizing the use of force against the Libyan army 10-0, with five countries, including China and Russia, abstaining. French and British aircraft are expected to lead strikes aimed at grounding Gadhafi’s air force and halting ground troops’ advance towards Benghazi. Arab countries will likely also be involved in the first wave of attacks. Canada has announced it will send six CF-18 fighter jets to the region to aid in the strikes. Between 120 and 200 Canadian military personnel will also be deployed to support the planes. One of Gadhafi’s sons, Saif al-Islam, called the UN resolution “unfair.”