Swedish forces may also take part in military intervention.

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Norway plans to join the international military intervention in Libya against Muammar Gaddafi's forces, the country's defence minister said Friday.

"We will contribute to the operation," Grete Faremo told the daily Verdens Gang, according to Reuters. "But it is too early to say exactly in what way. Sending air capabilities would be natural."

Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt told Swedish Radio Friday that Sweden will not be taking an active part in military operations, due to not being a NATO member, but that Swedish forces may take part in a later phase.

Military action against Libya will come within "hours" and France will participate in the strikes, government spokesman Francois Baroin said Friday.

The UN Security Council Thursday cleared the way for air strikes to halt Moamer Kadhafi's offensive against embattled rebel forces in Libya, setting the stage for imminent bombing raids.