Reports: Libya declares ceasefire against rebel forces after UN vote

The Libyan government on Friday declared a cease-fire against rebel forces less than an day after the U.N. Security Council authorized a no-fly zone over the country. 

MSNBC and USA Today reported that Libya says it will halt all military operations against rebel forces, which have experienced a series of setbacks against government fighters in recent days.

The United States, along with nine other nations on the Security Council, voted to pass the resolution Thursday evening.

According to the White House, President Obama spoke with European leaders, who agreed that Libya must comply with the U.N. resolution and stop violence against its civilians. The leaders have called for Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to step aside and end his four-decade rule after a popular rebellion sprouted up several weeks ago. 

Reports also indicated Obama will make a statement on Libya Friday afternoon.

Libyan foreign minister Moussa Koussa said his government — which has conducted air strikes on rebel forces — is following the resolution.

"Libya takes great interest in protecting civilians," he said, according to USA Today.

The government had threatened to attack civilians if foreign nations intervened in the conflict.

The announcement came almost simultaneously alongside reports that a government attack on a western Libyan city of Misrata killed 25, including several children.

-- This post was updated at 10:22 a.m.