Six Danish F-16 fighter jets have landed at the US naval air station in Sigonella, Sicily as the international military build-up mounts for possible action against Libya.

Danish air force spokesman Lars Skjoldan said the six F-16s would be ready for operation in Libya by Sunday.

Italy has offered the use of seven air and navy bases already housing US, Nato and Italian forces to enforce the no-fly zone over Libya and protect Libyan civilians from Muammar Gaddafi's forces. Sigonella's size and close proximity to Libya makes it a key staging point.

Italy's defence minister, Ignazio La Russa, said today that Italy wasn't just "renting out" its bases for others to use but was prepared to offer "moderate but determined" military support.

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