France and Italy have anounced they will send a small number of military liaison officers to Libya to support rebels fighting against the leader, Muammar Gaddafi.
Earlier this week, Britain said it would send a team of military officers to the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
French officials said fewer than 10 officers would be sent, while Italy's defence minister announced that 10 would go. France reaffirmed it had no intention of deploying ground combat troops.
The BBC reports that in France, as in Britain, there is concern about the Libyan campaign turning into an open-ended commitment as both governments push to its limits the UN resolution endorsing the protection of civilians in Libya.
The rebels have been fighting Colonel Gaddafi's forces since February inspired by uprisings in neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt.
The rebels are based in Benghazi and hold much of the east, while the Libyan leader's troops remain in control of Tripoli and most of the west, the BBC says.
Fierce battles are raging in Misrata as rebels try to oust forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi. The city's hospital said six people had been killed and 60 injured on Wednesday alone - many shot by snipers.
