[15] Twelve T-72 tanks spearheaded the main thrust into the city, and by 10:30 am, it seemed the Benghazi was in danger of falling to Pro Gaddafi forces.

The tanks behind the lead vehicle all began a withdrawal from the area, under rebel fire, and retreated apparently to the city limits.

[17] The cause of the crash was unclear, but may have been a catastrophic engine failure or friendly fire from rebel air-defences that had mistaken it for a loyalist plane.

[citation needed] At around 4:00 pm local time, French fighter jets entered Libyan airspace and flew over Benghazi, conducting aerial reconnaissance missions and preparing to intervene.

[11][20] Admiral Mullen of the United States announced on 20 March, that the international coalition had stopped the regime's progression on Benghazi.