The future of Libyan regime appears to be hanging in the balance as the country's air-force fighter jets have bombarded areas in the capital, Tripoli, reportedly on the orders of leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Witnesses in Tripoli say that mercenaries are roaming the streets, firing at anyone they see in a bid to dissuade people from demonstrating against Gaddafi.

High-level diplomats from Gaddafi's government, meanwhile, have been resigning or disavowing themselves from his leadership across the world.

Al Jazeera's Lawrence Lee reports.