Allied forces launch missiles into Libya

• US announces Operation Odyssey Dawn is under way • More than 100 Tomahawk missiles fired on Libyan targets • British and French forces in action over Libya • Read our latest news story on the military action 9.30pm: Libya’s state television is reporting that Muammar Gaddafi will shortly make an address to the people of Libya “on the Crusader’s aggression”. State television is even running the message on screen in English, to make sure the message gets across. 9.15pm: Good evening and welcome to our continuing live coverage as coaliton forces launch military action against Libya. You can read our earlier live blog here . This is a summary of the events so far. • Western planes are leading air strikes against Muammar Gaddafi’s military as world leaders ordered the biggest intervention in the Arab world since allied forces invaded Iraq in 2003 . The Pentagon announced that the action, codenamed Operation Odyessey Dawn, was under way. • British and US forces have fired more than 110 Tomahawk missiles at targets in Libya. The Pentagon said the aim of the operation was to take out the Libyan air defence systems in order that piloted aircraft could enforce the UN-mandated no-fly zone. • Al-Jazeera is reporting that Libya’s rebel military council has been co-ordinating with international forces to identify the locations of Gadaffi’s forces. Earlier in the day, the rebels lost their only aircraft when it was shot down over Benghazi, possibly by their own side. • In Tripoli, Libyans loyal to Gaddafi scorned the UN resolution and blamed al-Qaida for the rebellion in their country. Ian Black, our Middle East editor, who is in the Libyan capital, says in this report that “patriotic songs boomed out from giant loudspeakers mounted in the centre of Tripoli’s Green Square.” Read the Guardian’s previous live blog of today’s events here. Arab and Middle East protests Middle East United States Barack Obama Muammar Gaddafi David Cameron Military Richard Adams guardian.co.uk

Posted by on March 19, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.