The U.S. has moved military forces closer to Libyan shores, imposed an arms embargo on the country and frozen billions in the country's foreign assets. But Republican Senator John McCain said this was still not far enough, adding that a no-fly zone would not be much of a stretch for a U.S. Air Force against the 'somewhat antiquated' Libyan air defences. He said it would send a signal to Colonel Gaddafi 'that the President is serious when he says we need for Gadgafi to go'
Held: Rebels fire multiple rockets from a launcher near Bin-Jawad, which was reportedly recaptured by Gaddafi today. Rebel forces are being outgunned by Gaddafi air power
Loyal: Pro-Gaddafi supporters fill a square in central Tripoli. While the U.S. debate heats up over what to do in the region, Gaddafi forces have begun recapturing rebel positions
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Incoming: Rebel fights jump out of the way after shrapnel explodes near their position in Bin-Jawad
Counter-attacks: A rebel soldier receives treatment in an ambulance after fighting near Bin-Jawad
Armed: Clashes have taken place in Misrata, Ras Lanuf and Zawiya as government forces hit back at rebels
Defiant: Gaddafi supporters gather in Green Square, where earlier heavy gunfire was heard as troops celebrated winning back Ras Lanuf
He added: 'It would also be encouraging to the resistance, who are certainly outgunned from the air.'
Mr McCain also appeared to disagree with Mr Daley, saying that the military did not have to rush straight for bombing air defences.
He said the U.S. could provide rebel forces with intelligence, training and other assistance to help them form a provisional government in Benghazi.
The debate came on the same day a British special forces team was released by Libyan rebel forces after it was captured in the city of Benghazi.
The eight-strong group, which was escorting a junior diplomat, left the country bound for Malta on board HMS Cumberland.
However, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said his government intended to send further diplomatic personnel soon to 'strengthen dialogue' with rebel leaders.
Rallying cry: A boy holds a pistol belonging to a pro-Gaddafi soldier at a rally in Tripoli today, left, and a Filipino worker who fled to Manila wears a jacket in Manila airport which describes his ordeal
Free! Bangladeshi nationals are evacuated from Libya on the Greek Ionian King. Three were killed and several missing after reportedly jumping off the ship as it approached Chania, in Crete
He said: 'I can confirm that a small British diplomatic team has been in Benghazi. The team went to Libya to initiate contacts with the opposition. They experienced difficulties, which have now been satisfactorily resolved. They have now left Libya.
'We intend, in consultation with the opposition, to send a further team to strengthen our dialogue in due course. This diplomatic effort is part of the UK's wider work on Libya, including our ongoing humanitarian support.
'We continue to press for Gaddafi to step down and we will work with the international community to support the legitimate ambitions of the Libyan people.'
The episode was an embarrassment for the British government, as it was forced to acknowledge the presence of the team, believed to be from the SAS.
Embarrassing admission: Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague revealed UK SAS troops had been 'captured' by Libyan rebels
It is thought the soldiers, who were dressed as civilians, were challenged by a rebel guards as they approached a compound in Benghazi and detained after the Libyan rebels found fake passports and weapons.
The elite unit had been escorting the diplomat through rebel-held territory in the east of the country to put him in touch with opposition leaders.
But the appearance of SAS soldiers alongside the diplomat 'angered Libyan opposition figures who ordered the soldiers to be locked up in a military base', The Sunday Times reported.
Opponents of Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi are concerned he could use evidence of Western military interference to strengthen support for his regime.
The battle for control of the county continues to rage and fears are growing over the impact of instability in the region on oil prices.
Airstrikes by Gaddafi's forces reportedly hit the strategic oil port of Ras Lanuf, but failed to reclaim it.
They fared better in the town of Bin Jawwad - about 110 miles east of Gaddafi's birthplace of Sirte - and are apparently back in control.
In the capital Tripoli, residents awoke before dawn to the crackle of unusually heavy and sustained gunfire that lasted for at least two hours.
Fierce fighting was under way in the city of Zawiya, 30 miles from the capital Tripoli, as rebels struggled to repel an assault by Gaddafi forces.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1363646/Kerry-suggests-cratering-Libyan-airports-disable-Gaddafis-air-force-White-House-backs-away-fly-zone-proposal.html#ixzz1Fs6ZPSWZ
