Libya crisis in maps: Day by day

Saturday 19 March

Western allies launch air strikes against Libyan targets after government forces began a fierce attack against the eastern rebel-held city of Benghazi despite having called a ceasefire 24 hours earlier.

Summit: Western and Arab leaders met in Paris after the passing of UN Resolution 1973 which authorised military action to defend civilians in Libya. At the end of the meeting, French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced that "all necessary means" would be used to prevent further bloodshed.

Air strikes: French aircraft fired the first shots in the western assault on Libya, attacking an armoured convoy west of Benghazi.

US and UK submarines and warships later launched the first of a series of co-ordinated attacks against Libyan targets from the Mediterranearn. Overnight more than 110 Tomahawk missiles were fired from US and UK vessels.

RAF Tornadoes also flew bombing missions from their base at RAF Marham in Norfolk.