The future of Libya appears to be a knife-edge, as airforce fighter jets have bombarded the capital, Tripoli, reportedly on the orders of leader Muammer 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.