Coalition forces launched "Operation Odyssey Dawn" March 19, 2011, to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 to protect the Libyan people from the country's ruler.

The goal of the military coalition is to prevent further attacks by regime forces on Libyan citizens, officials said, adding that the coalition also wants to degrade the ability of Muammar Qadhafi's regime to resist a no-fly zone being implemented.

U.S. military forces were among the nations on the leading edge of the coalition operation, taking out Libya's integrated air and missile defense system, Defense Department officials said. The ordnance was aimed at radars and anti-aircraft sites around the capital of Tripoli and other facilities along the Mediterranean coast.

Overall command of the operation falls to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) commander General Carter Ham. Under Ham, Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear aboard the command ship USS Mount Whitney. The Mount Whitney joins 24 other ships from Italy, Canada, the United Kingdom and France in launching the operation.

Cruise missiles from U.S. submarines and frigates began the attack on the anti-aircraft system. A senior defense official speaking on background said the attacks will "open up the environment so we could enforce the no-fly zone from east to west throughout Libya."

In addition to the cruise missiles, the United States will provide command and control and logistics. American airmen and sailors also will launch electronic attacks against the systems.

The United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada already have announced that they are part of the coalition. Officials expect Arab countries will publicly announce their participation soon.