Libya's No-Fly Zone: What Does It Mean?The United Nations Security Council has authorised a no-fly zone over Libya to stop Colonel Gaddafi's assault on civilians - we answer some questions on what the ban means.
Q. When would the no-fly zone enforcement start?
A. It is unclear how long it would take to arrange the military operations needed to enforce the no-fly zone.
However, diplomatic sources in France, which favours more aggressive action against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, say military action could start today.
A US military official said no immediate US action was expected following the vote.
The British Ministry of Defence said there are outstanding issues to be resolved and contingency plans were not yet finished.
Q. What forces would be involved?
A. Western countries have significant military assets nearby, including carriers in the Mediterranean, a large US air base in Italy and a large British air presence on the island of Cyprus.
Gulf or Arab League countries have warships and fighter aircraft but have shown little inclination of deploying these outside their region and some are distracted by Bahrain's crisis.
If the US chooses not to get involved, Britain and France possibly have the military capabilites to mount a limited no-fly zone or maritime exclusion zone.
Canada has already said it will send warplanes to assist in the enforcement of the resolution.
In addition, allied Arab countries such as Jordan and Oman have planes and pilots often trained by the US, and American officials have made clear they want active involvement by Arab countries if any action is taken.
Q. Will the no-fly zone stop Col Gaddafi?
A. The dictator's troops have been relying on tanks and other ground forces during assaults on the rebels.
This means Nato planes flying over Libya may not be able to protect civilians on the ground.
Libya has a land area some 35 times the size of Bosnia where a no-fly zone was previously implemented in the 1990s.
Officials might choose to set up a more limited area around the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi, using a smaller number of combat and support aircraft.
The UN resolution specifically bans a ground offensive against Libya.
Q. What military equipment does Col Gaddafi have access to?
US National Intelligence Director James Clapper said Col Gaddafi has around 80 operational aircraft, a mix of helicopters, transport aircraft and fighter jets.
But he said Libyan aircraft is far less sophisticated than the planes and helicopters flown by its US counterparts.
Col Gaddafi's forces have been using tanks and anti-aircraft weapons against rebels during the uprising.
Q. What else does the UN resolution include?
A. It authorises UN member states "to take all necessary measures [notwithstanding the previous arms embargo] to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack, including Benghazi.
But it excludes a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory.
It "demands the immediate establishment of a cease-fire and a complete end to violence and all attacks against, and abuses of, civilians" and "that the Libyan authorities comply with their obligations under international law".
It calls on the cooperation of Arab League member states, who also backed a no-fly zone, to intercept boats and aircraft believed to be taking arms and other items banned under the previously passed UN embargo.
This also includes "armed mercenary personnel".