Italy says its air force will join the NATO bombing campaign against government forces in Libya.
The BBC reports the change of policy was announced after a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and US President Barack Obama.
The air force will be allowed to bomb selected military targets in the former Italian colony.
Italy has made several air bases available for NATO forces and has contributed eight aircraft to the Libya mission.
But until now, it has taken part only in reconnaissance and monitoring of the United Nations' no-fly zone.
Attacks on military infrastructure have mainly been carried out by Britain, France and the United States.
The UN Security Council voted on 17 March for a no-fly zone over Libya and ''all necessary measures'' against Gaddafi forces.
Ten nations were in favour. China, Russia, Germany, India and Brazil abstained.
