Targeted air raids on Libyan army positions could take place as soon as the United Nations approves the use of force in the north African country, French sources said.
"From the moment the resolution is adopted, military actions could begin in the hours that follow," a French diplomatic source said on condition of anonymity.
"Strikes could take place as soon as this evening or tomorrow, Friday," another knowledgeable source told AFP, also requesting anonymity.
The UN Security Council will vote on a resolution that allows the use of "all necessary measures" -- military strikes -- to protect Libyan civilians and bans all flights over the country, according to a copy of the text obtained by AFP.
The resolution highlights that the international protection should be extended to the rebel capital of Benghazi in eastern Libya, which is now under threat from Moamer Kadhafi's forces.
The draft, drawn up by Britain, France, Lebanon and the United States, specifically excludes "an occupation force."
It calls on Arab nations to "cooperate" in the implementation of the no-flight zone and other measures.
A vote on the resolution is expected at 2200 GMT Thursday 17th March.
The resolution authorizes UN members "to take all necessary measures ... to protect civilians and civilian population areas under threat of attack in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, including Benghazi, while excluding an occupation force."
The Security Council would "establish a ban on all flights in the airspace of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in order to help protect civilians."
The resolution tightens sanctions that were ordered against the Kadhafi regime on February 26. Resolution 1970 ordered an assets freeze and travel ban against the Libyan leader, members of his family and close associates.
It deplores Kadhafi's failure to heed the UN calls for an end to the violence and says that "widespread and systematic attacks" on civilians are still taking place and warns that these could be crimes against humanity.
The Security Council stresses the importance of the Arab League's call for the no-fly zone and urges Arab participation in the action. Diplomats have said Qatar and United Arab Emirates could take part.
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