Aside from the shit literally hitting the fan, let’s break this down and look at what it’s going to mean for the nation that is embroiled in one of the worst struggles against a dictator in history.

Yesterday the United Nations Security Council imposed the much anticipated no-fly zone over Libya. Luckily, western countries have significant military assets nearby for enforcement of said no-fly zone. These include aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean, a large US air base in Italy and a large British air presence on the island of Cyprus.

Gulf and Arab League countries have warships and fighter aircraft but have shown little penchant for deploying these outside their regions and some are distracted by the crisis in Bahrain, obviously.

Britain and France possibly have the military capabilities to mount a limited no-fly zone or maritime exclusion zone should the US choose not to get involved. Canada has already said it will send fighter jets to aid in the enforcement too.

The resolution itself authorises UN member states the following:

To take all necessary measures [notwithstanding the previous arms embargo] to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack, including Benghazi [the rebel stronghold].

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 also calls on the cooperation of Arab League member states, which 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.

Anti-Gaddafi protesters in Benghazi welcomed the news with cheers, celebratory gunfire and fireworks.

Hadi Shalluf, president of the Justice and Democracy Party of Libya explains:

All the Libyans now, they are very, very happy even as this resolution is coming very, very late. But we are really glad and then happy.

Today, just now in Benghazi where the people go outside singing, and then dancing, and are very, very happy about this resolution. We think that this is a very great decision. We wish now that the United Nations will send peacekeepers to help with the application of this resolution on the ground.

This is very important for building our country in the future because just as we will be finished with Gadhafi, we need also the United Nations support for a new constitution and to have the rule of the law.

Gaddafi warned the rebels in Benghazi Thursday to surrender or face an imminent attack. He said his forces will show no mercy and dismissed the resolution as worthless.

US National Intelligence Director James Clapper said Colonel Gaddafi has around 80 operational aircraft, a mix of helicopters, transport aircraft and fighter jets.

But he said Libyan aircraft are far less sophisticated than the planes and helicopters flown by its US counterparts.

Colonel Gaddafi’s forces have been using tanks and anti-aircraft weapons against rebels during the uprising.

Rumours have also been doing the rounds on twitter with reports claiming and being attributed to the Gaddafi’s that “It will all be over in 24 hours.”

France has this morning also confirmed that military action against Libya would come “within hours.”

[Sources: Sky, VOA]