The UAE will send 12 planes to take part in operations to enforce the no-fly zone in Libya, the state news agency said on Friday.

'The UAE air force has committed 6 F-16 and 6 Mirage aircraft to participate in the patrols that will enforce the no-fly zone now established over Libya.

UAE participation in the patrols will commence in the coming days,' WAM said, quoting UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahayan.

The statement said the UAE planes would be an extension of the Gulf state's humanitarian operations in Libya.

Qatar has already contributed 2 fighters and 2 military transport planes to the coalition enforcing the no-fly zone.