The U.N. Security Council has authorized a no-fly zone over Libya, as well as “all necessary measures” to protect civilians from Muammar Gaddafi’s forces. Ten of the Council’s 15 members voted in favor of the resolution, while Russia, China, Germany, India and Brazil abstained. The U.S. was among the measure’s sponsors.

U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice: “This resolution demands an immediate ceasefire and a complete end to violence and attacks against civilians. Responding to the Libyan people and to the League of Arab States, the Security Council has authorized the use of force, including enforcement of a no-fly zone, to protect civilians and civilian areas targeted by Colonel Gaddafi, his intelligence and security forces and his mercenaries.”

The resolution comes as Gaddafi’s troops are advancing toward Benghazi, the rebel stronghold in eastern Libya.