The Hill News

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit Egypt and Tunisia next week, according to news reports.

Clinton also plans to meet with leaders of Libya's rebel opposition during the trip.

Clinton's visit makes her the highest-ranking American official to visit the area since anti-government protests in Egypt and Tunisia forced both countries’ leaders from office.

"I intend to convey strong support of the Obama administration and the American people that we wish to be a partner in the important work that lies ahead," Clinton said Thursday, according to Reuters.

The Obama administration has been considering a “range of options” to the political crisis in Libya, where rebels are locked in a pitched battle with forces loyal to longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi. The protests in Libya have escalated to a level of violence far more serious than in Egypt or Tunisia, with the Libyan military fighting indigenous rebel forces.

One of the options is the imposition of a no-fly zone, but Obama administration national security aides reportedly said Wednesday that option would have a "limited impact."

Some lawmakers, including Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) have called for a no-fly zone.