military action on Libya

Britain starts military action on Libya

British Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that UK armed forces have started military action against the Libyan regime.

Allied forces took action over the North African country after Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi resisted against the United Nations' request to stop cracking down Libyan anti-government protesters.

Around 20 French jetfighters have been patrolling Libya's skies, and bombing the positions of forces loyal to beleaguered Gaddafi. The French planes fired the first shot in Libya at 1645 GMT and destroyed its target, according to a French military spokesman.

British warships are in action in a naval blockade of Libya. The sources revealed that the Royal Navy's HMS Westminster is among the ships engaged in the mission.

According to reports, the US Navy fired Tomahawk missiles at Libyan air defenses. Three US submarines are also reportedly patrolling in the Mediterranean.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said the United States would use its "unique capabilities" to reinforce its European allies.

Speaking after the summit in the French capital, Paris, British Prime Minister David Cameron claimed "The time for action has come and it needs to be urgent.”

"Colonel Gaddafi has made this happen -- he lied to the international community."

Earlier on Saturday, Gaddafi intensified attacks on the eastern city of Benghazi, killing more than two dozen revolutionary forces.

SAB/AGB/MMA/HRF