WALL STREET JOURNAL– The United Nations Security Council authorized military force Thursday against Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi’s security forces, opening the way for European and U.S. airstrikes within days.

The U.N. action, pushed aggressively by France and the U.K., came as Col. Gadhafi’s security forces continued their assault toward Benghazi, the de-facto capital of rebels trying to end his 42-year rule.

European and American officials argued on the Security Council floor that an international campaign to stop Col. Gadhafi’s forces was required immediately to stave off a potential massacre of opposition forces and civilians.

French officials have indicated that military strikes could take place within hours of the resolution’s passage. Others were more cautious about how quickly any attacks would begin.

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