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

Related readings:  NATO decides to enforce no-fly zone over Libya  Coalition fires mre missiles at Libyan targets, expands no-fly zone  UN votes for no-fly zone over Libya  UN Security Council okays no-fly zone over Libya

"The UAE air force has committed six F-16 and six 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 Arab state's humanitarian operations in Libya.

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