The United States, Britain and France on Thursday pressed the UN Security Council to back military action to halt Muammar Gaddafi's offensive against rebels. Gaddafi’s forces bomb Benghazi.

Envoys from the 15-nation council held new talks and France, Britain and the United States are pressing for a Security Council vote on Thursday.

USA mission in the United Nation has announced that the UN Security Council vote on action in Libya could be held later on Thursday.

The US representatives stated that the Council will vote in 3.30 p.m. New York time (8.30 p.m. CET), the Reuters reported.

France and Britain have led a campaign for a no-fly zone over Libya. While this is resisted by China, the United States has taken an increasingly tough line seeking broader measures against the threat posed by Gaddafi.

Technical experts held talks on Thursday on a draft resolution drawn up by Britain, France, the United States and Lebanon, acting for the Arab League. The current draft would authorize Arab League members and others to take "all necessary measures," code for military action, to enforce the no-fly zone and protect civilians.