U.N. Security Council responded to the crisis in Libya by imposing a no-fly zone over the country and using force against Gaddafi‘s forces in order to protect the civilians. Several countries including Russia, China and Germany abstained from voting on this resolution, because Russia and China were concerned about outside powers interfering Libya's internal affairs while Germany feared that military actions would raise a new conflict.
On March 19th, after the first wave of attack with 110 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles targeting Libyan air defenses in coastal regions, American, British and French air forces significantly destroyed a number of military targets at several inland areas.
American forces launched another air strike next day, which consisted of F-15 and F-16 fighters along with three B-2 Spirit bombers, consequently, the Libyan military airfields under the attack have been heavily damaged. No US aircraft was lost during the missions.
On March 23rd, an American F-15 fighter which took off from a NATO air base in Italy crashed in Libya due to mechanical problems. The two pilots were safely ejected and rescued by the US Navy. Unfortunately, six local civilians were injured by gunfire from the rescue team.
On March 24th, Royal Norwegian Air Force launched their first attack against Libyan ground troops with their F-16s.
