The Libyan Army has told residents in the opposition stronghold of Benghazi to leave rebel-held positions and arms storage areas.
A text on Al-Libya television said the army was coming "to cleanse your city from armed gangs."
A midnight ultimate passed with no reports of fighting. Residents in Benghazi said the city remains quiet.
Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi told Lebanese TV that he did not expect a battle in Benghazi.
Fearing violence, the International Committee of the Red Cross has withdrawn its aid workers from the town.
Some 150 kilometers south in Ajdabiya, rebels say they have pushed back Qaddafi's forces moving toward Benghazi.
At the UN, the Security Council could vote as soon as today on a resolution to impose a no-fly zone over Libya.
Council ambassadors met behind closed doors to debate the text for more than eight hours on March 16.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for an immediate cease-fire by all parties.
compiled from agency reports
Tracking events and ideas convulsing the Arab world and with ripples around the globe, including RFE/RL's broadcast region. Click here
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Liveblog
"Echoes Of The Uprisings"
A text on Al-Libya television said the army was coming "to cleanse your city from armed gangs."
A midnight ultimate passed with no reports of fighting. Residents in Benghazi said the city remains quiet.
Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi told Lebanese TV that he did not expect a battle in Benghazi.
Fearing violence, the International Committee of the Red Cross has withdrawn its aid workers from the town.
Some 150 kilometers south in Ajdabiya, rebels say they have pushed back Qaddafi's forces moving toward Benghazi.
At the UN, the Security Council could vote as soon as today on a resolution to impose a no-fly zone over Libya.
Council ambassadors met behind closed doors to debate the text for more than eight hours on March 16.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for an immediate cease-fire by all parties.
compiled from agency reports
Liveblog
Echoes Of The Uprisings
Tracking events and ideas convulsing the Arab world and with ripples around the globe, including RFE/RL's broadcast region. Click here
Upheaval In Arab World
Upheaval In Arab World
Voices
As Qaddafi Advances, Hope And Fear Reign In Benghazi
Bahrain Blogger Says Arab World Shares 'Same Anger'
Former Australian PM Howard Hails Absence Of 'Contrived Element' In Mideast Protests
Gene Sharp, The 'Clausewitz' Of Nonviolent Resistance
Beleaguered Egyptian Opposition Leader Says 'Freedom Is Infectious'
Background And Analysis
Libyan Operation Spurs Debate On Limits To Intervention
Why Don't More Countries Recognize The Libyan Rebels?
Uprisings Divide Islamic Clerical Establishment
What Are The World's Options On Libya?
Tribal Dynamics Set Libya Apart From Neighbors
Exporting Nonviolent Revolution, From Eastern Europe To The Middle East
Khamenei Praises Arab Revolts As Iran Crushes Its Own Protests
Liveblog
"Echoes Of The Uprisings"