Some Libyan rebel groups have called for limited military assistance, such as targeted air strikes.

However, one US senator has said direct military intervention would be counter-productive. John Kerry said the international community should prepare a no-fly zone, in the event of a massacre of civilians by the Libyan air force.

Much of the military equipment needed to enforce a no-fly zone is already based on the Mediterranean island of Malta.

Al Jazeera's James Bays reports from Malta.