French, British and Canadian aircraft were expected to launch sorties as night falls over the country,

French warplane fired on a Libyan military vehicle in eastern Libya today in the first show of force by an international coalition mobilizing to stop Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's attacks on opposition strongholds and enforce a U.N.-backed no-fly zone.

As pro-Gadhafi forces battled towards the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, 20 French fighter jets flew over the region in an operation largely intended to be a show of force, the French Defense Ministry said.

Earlier today, a fighter jet resembling a Libyan MiG 27 was shot down over the city, according to news reports from inside Libya.

Meanwhile, world leaders met in Paris to discuss the nature and scope of the international military intervention to make Gadhafi respect a U.N. Security Council resolution that authorized "all necessary measures" to protect Libyan civilians.

"Our planes are blocking the air attacks on the city" of Benghazi, French President Nicholas Sarkozy said following the meeting.


French, British and Canadian aircraft were expected to launch sorties as night falls over the country, ahead of a larger coalition deployment that could happen later in the day. Spain and Denmark have also contributed fighter planes to the international force.

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