Libya has closed its air space to all traffic in a move seen to thwart the United Nation's imposition of a no-fly zone over the country. .
The closure of Libyan air space was announced by Europe's air navigation organisation, Eurocontrol.
The news comes amid reports of Libyan forces bombing the western town of Misratah.
Saif Gaddafi, the son of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, also said "anti-terror" forces will be sent into Benghazi to disarm rebel forces in the eastern Libyan city.
Meanwhile military action to implement the no-fly zone will commence within "hours" according to French government spokesman Francois Baroin.
Baroin said the goal of the military action would be to "protect the Libyan people and to allow them to go all the way in their drive for freedom, which means bringing down the Gaddafi regime."
Saif Gaddafi said his family was "not afraid" but warned foreign air strikes would kill civilians.
"We will not be afraid. I mean, you are not helping the people if you are going to bomb Libya, to kill Libyans. You destroy our country. Nobody is happy with that."
The 15-member UN Security Council voted on Thursday night to undertake the no-fly zone to protect the people of Libya.
General Lord Dannatt told Sky News: "There has to be a strategic objective and it is clear to get rid of the Gaddafi regime."
"This must be a very broad-based coalition of interests that removes Gaddafi."
Qatar has announced that it will take part in international operations to help the Libyan people.
Numerous EU states have voiced support for the no-fly zone to prevent regime troops attacking rebels, however Germany has refused to be involved in any military action.
Turkey has called for an immediate ceasefire and said it opposes foreign intervention.