On March 17th the UN Security Council voted in favour of a resolution authorising the establishment of a no-fly zone over Libya as well as air strikes against forces loyal to the Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Qadhafi. Security Council resolution 1973 approves "all necessary measures", except a ground invasion, to protect civilians and was adopted after a vote of ten for and none against (with five abstentions from Russia, China, Germany, India and Brazil).

The first air strikes under Operation Odyssey Dawn began on March 19th and halted an advance by pro-Qadhafi forces on Benghazi, quickly altering the dynamics of the conflict on the ground. Following protracted negotiations, the US formally handed command of the implementation of the UN resolution to NATO at the end of March. Two Arab states, Qatar and the UAE, agreed to contribute to the international force, both providing additional air support.