Breaking at ~4pmEST
"OPERATION ODYSSEY DAWN"
US has launched cruise missiles at the missile and air defense system outside of Tripoli and Misrata. Loud explosions outside of Tripoli.
According to AlJazeera, the US is now taking command of the operation from the French and will stay in command for a few days. The British are also providing air support.
This is a v. sketchy summary of President Obama's Address:
Pres Obama speaks from Brasilia, Brazil: (4:10pEST)
"Action has begun......this is not an outcome that the US or any of our partners sought, even yesterday...offered Quadaffi...but despite the hollow words of his govt., ignored opportunity....danger faced by the people of Libya grown....want the American people to know that the use of force is not taken lightly....but we must be clear that actions have consequences....as part of this effort, the US will contribute...its unique capabilities....we will not deploy any US Troops on the group.....we are answering a call of a threatened people..."
HuffPo transcript of Obama's statement from Brazil
I will continue to update this diary as things develop.
If anyone wants to liveblog.
CONTINUING UPDATES:
(from AlJazeera)
It is dark in Libya now. British airforce in in the air providing air support. In Benghazi, can hear fire.
From Libyan state television, reports that Tripoli is coming attack....AlJazz reporter says that that is not true. However there were loud blasts near the city, which the US said that they had fired tomahawk missiles towards air defences.
Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- The U.S. military has launched its first missiles in Libya against Moammar Gadhafi's forces, a senior Defense Department official said Saturday.
Earlier, French fighter jets deployed over Libya fired at a military vehicle on Saturday, the country's first strike against Moammar Gadhafi's military forces who earlier attacked the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
U.S. Tomahawk missiles have landed in the western area around Tripoli and Misrata, the American military official said.
"He's clearly been on the offensive," the official said of Gadhafi. "He said that he was going to do a cease-fire and he continued to move his forces into Benghazi."
France convenes summit on Libya crisis Libya cease-fire ignored Libya forces advance on main rebel base Warplane falls from sky.
The military official said the attacks on Gadhafi's forces will be part of a multiphase approach in a sequential and deliberate manner.
"The U.S. will be at the front end of this, providing the unique capabilities that the U.S has," the official said.
(CNN Link)
4:25pEST
Briefing from the Pentagon:
....strikes from British and US warships and submarines....
bec.
this is just the first phase of what will be a multiphase operation to enforce UN....
in early days command under US...(names, ) even command to coalition leadership in coming days.....we are creating the conditions to shape the battle space so that our partners can take the lead....we are not going to use force to get beyond the protection of the people of Libya..
in response to Q&A: taking down nodes in Western part of country; taking down long range to open up the broadest space for no-fly zone.
US brings unique capabilities.....
h/t LadyLibertine:
BBC NEWS: "Libya Coalition Launches Attacks"
Excellent summary from AlJazeera English