U.S. launches military action against Libya

• President Barack Obama authorised limited military action against Libya on Saturday, saying Moammar Qadhafi's continued assault on his own people left the U.S. and its international partners with no other choice. The Pentagon said it fired 110 cruise missiles at 20 targets.
• "This is not an outcome the U.S. or any of our partners sought," Mr. Obama said from Brazil, where he is starting a five-day visit to Latin America. "We cannot stand idly by when a tyrant tells his people there will be no mercy."
• Mr. Obama declared once again that the United States would not send ground forces to Libya, though he said he is "deeply aware" of the risks of taking any military action.
• "Our consensus was strong, and our resolve is clear. The people of Libya must be protected, and in the absence of an immediate end to the violence against civilians our coalition is prepared to act, and to act with urgency," Mr. Obama said.
• The United States has a host of forces and ships in the area, including submarines, destroyers, amphibious assault and landing ships.
• The U.S. intended to limit its involvement -- at least in the initial stages -- to helping protect French and other air missions by taking out Libyan air defences, but depending on the response could launch additional attacks in support of allied forces, a U.S. official said. Both officials spok