The BBC's Jon Williams in Benghazi reports on William Hague's visit to Libya
Foreign Secretary William Hague has arrived in rebel-held Benghazi, pledging his support for Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC).
Speaking ahead of his trip to the opposition stronghold, Mr Hague said the NCT was the "legitimate representative of the Libyan people".
Mr Hague is due to hold talks with its head, Mustafa Abdul Jalil, later.
Meanwhile, UK Apache attack helicopters have been used over Libya for the first time, Nato has confirmed.
They attacked and destroyed two military installations, a radar site and an armed checkpoint near Brega, the Captain of HMS Ocean told the BBC.
The Apaches are understood to have faced incoming fire.
On Wednesday, Nato extended its mission in Libya by 90 days.
Mr Hague said he was in Benghazi for "one principal reason - to show our support for the Libyan people and for the National Transitional Council, the legitimate representative of the Libyan people".
He said the visit was "part of a co-ordinated and strategic approach to Libya - ensuring that our military, diplomatic and development actions are aligned".
"The UK is committed to this task. Col Gaddafi is isolated internationally and domestically. He has lost all legitimacy, continues to abuse human rights without mercy or compunction. He must go," he said.
International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has also made the trip to Benghazi.
Ahead of his arrival, he announced that the Mines Advisory Group would help the Libyan people by clearing "areas of life-shattering mines, preventing the indiscriminate killing of many men, women and children".
Apache pilot: "We're pleased that it was mission success"
"It is crucial to help meet immediate needs. But the future of Libya lies in the hands of the Libyan people. That is why we are here, to discuss with the NTC how they plan to bring peace, stability and economic development to their country," he said.
The UK already has a joint team from the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence in Benghazi, advising the Council on its long-term plans.
Communications equipment, bullet-proof vests and uniforms have also been provided to the civilian police authorities.
The BBC's John Williams, in Benghazi, said the timing the visit and the helicopter attacks would not be lost on Mr Hague and the NTC.
"The strikes that we saw earlier on today, on Brega, are quite significant, in terms of what David Cameron described as, "turning up the heat on Colonel Gaddafi," he said.
As well as the Apac
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