New York Times is reporting with very sketchy details that French planes have begun reconnaissance overflights of the Libyan rebel capital of Benghazi in order to begin enforcing the UN's no-fly zone:
French military jets have flown reconnaissance missions over Libya, the first sign of the largest military intervention in the Arab world since the invasion of Iraq. President Nicolas Sarkozy said the jets had begin enforcing the no-fly zone over the eastern city of Benghazi, under heavy bombardment by forces loyal to Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi. Mr. Sarkozy spoke from Paris, where leaders from the United States, Europe and Arab countries met in Paris on Saturday to assemble the intervention.
CNNhas a statement by Sarkozy, giving a little more detail on what is happening:
"Our air force will oppose any aggression by Colonel Gadhafi against the population of Benghazi," said French President Nicolas Sarkozy, speaking after an international, top-level meeting in Paris over the Libyan crisis.
"As of now, our aircraft are preventing planes from attacking the town," he said. "As of now, our aircraft are prepared to intervene against tanks."
Sarkozy also says the intervention will continue until a real ceasefire is in place and Qaddafi's forces have withdrawn from their offensive positions.
According to the Times, loyalist forces have taken up positions inside Benghazi, including posting snipers on the roof of the Foreign Ministry building, reportedly only a few blocks from the rebel headquarters building. That is sourced to a rebel spokesperson in Benghazi, and if true could be an indication that without outside help soon the rebellion could be in its last throes.
There is no indication yet that French aircraft have engaged loyalist forces on the ground. Until that happens, I imagine the loyalists will continue their advance.
Update: Via Athenian in comments, there are unconfirmed reportsorts that French airstrikes have begun in Ajdabiyah.