Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces attacked the rebel stronghold of Benghazi early on Saturday in defiance of world demands for an immediate ceasefire, Al Jazeera reported.
Explosions were heard in Benghazi on Saturday and a fighter jet seen overhead despite a UN resolution declaring a no-fly zone over Libya. Another fighter jet was shot down, the BBC reported, as the rebels claim Gaddafi's forces have entered the outskirts of Benghazi.
The U.S. ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, has also said that Gaddafi was in violation of the resolution that also authorized "all necessary measures" to protect civilians.
U.S. President Barack Obama said earlier Gaddafi's troops must stop the violence or face military action.
On Friday, Libya's Gaddafi's government declared a unilateral ceasefire but there were reports that fighting was continuing.
Leaders from the U.S., Britain, France and Arab countries will meet in Paris later on Saturday to discuss military action in Libya.
MOSCOW, March 19 (RIA Novosti)
