BBC: Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi have launched their first bombing raids on the main rebel-held city of Benghazi.
BBC correspondents in the city heard the sound of low-flying aircraft and explosions on the outskirts of the second city, which has a population of a million.
Reports say the targets included the city's airport at Benina.
A UN Security Council vote on action in Libya could be held later on Thursday.
Western countries want a no-fly zone to halt the advance of government forces.
Official Libyan news agency Jana is reporting that Libyan government forces will cease military operations from midnight on Sunday to give rebels the opportunity to hand over their weapons and "benefit from the decision on general amnesty". » | Thursday, March 17, 2011
