NATO countries have agreed to join the military intervention in Libya. On Thursday, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen’s said the military alliance’s mandate will be kept to enforcing the no-fly zone over Libyan airspace “to protect civilians.”

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen: ”NATO allies have now decided to enforce the no-fly zone over Libya. We are taking action as part of the broad international effort to protect civilians against the attacks by the Gaddafi regime. We will cooperate closely with our partners in the region, and we welcome their contributions.”

NATO could engage with Libyan forces in self-defense against attacks. Rasmussen’s statement appeared to contradict earlier comments by Turkey’s foreign minister, who said NATO would be taking control of all military operations in Libya from the U.S.-led international coalition.