According to AIR President Nicolas Sarkozy said, French military jets are preventing forces loyal to Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi from attacking the rebel-held city of Benghazi.
It is believed to be the first act of intervention since the UN voted on Thursday for a no-fly zone over Libya. Reports say, hours earlier, Pro-Gaddafi forces launched an assault on the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
However, the Libyan government has denied it is attacking. Reports from Benghazi suggest hundreds of cars packed with people were fleeing eastwards as fighting spread.