Obama: Every option under review for Libya

WASHINGTON - Wary that Libya's bloody crisis could devolve into humanitarian chaos, President Barack Obama insisted Thursday that he is considering every intervention option, including military might, along with America's allies.

To Moammar Gadhafi, he declared: "Step down from power and leave."

Obama made clear he has not ruled out establishing a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent Gadhafi's air forces from bombing rebels. His broad assurance came one day after his defense chief, Robert Gates, said bluntly that a no-fly zone would amount to an act of war and warned about too much "loose talk" of U.S. military intervention in Libya.

"I don't want us hamstrung," Obama said in defending his approach. Still, the president made clear he does not intend to act without the consent of international peers, and that the emphasis of the United States is on helping refugees, heading off a humanitarian crisis and hastening the end of Gadhafi's reign.

In Tripoli, Gadhafi vowed, "We will fight until the last man and woman." He lashed out against Europe and the United States for their pressure on him to step down, warning that thousands of Libyans would die if U.S. and NATO forces intervene in the conflict.

Gadhafi has unleashed a violent crackdown against those seeking his ouster, drawing international condemnation and sanctions. Hundreds have been killed, perhaps more.

About 12,000 people have been crossing into Tunisia daily this week, and 20,000 to 30,000 migrants are now in Ras Adjir, said Monje Slim from the Tunisian Red Crescent.

Also yesterday, rebels reinforced Brega, a key oil port, while facing new regime airstrikes in eastern Libya.

- AP