The Hill News

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) strongly opposes the use of ground troops in Libya despite recent indications the conflict there may be reaching an impasse.

The senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee appeared on NBC's "Meet the Press" after his trip to Libya, where he said he has witnessed first-hand the mounting casualties amid the opposition to longtime dictator Muammar Gadhafi.

"This is a pretty bloody situation and it has the earmarks of being a stalement," McCain said, adding that the U.S. should ramp up the use of air power to help Libyans expel Gadhafi's regime.

"The fact is we need to take Gadhafi out. This guy is a person who has lost all legitimacy, just as by the way Assad has in Syria."

But when asked by host David Gregory he would eventually support the use of ground troops, McCain answered with a definitive no.

"No I would not David, I think it would be totally counter-productive," McCain replied, adding that ! he believes sufficient use of air power can "bring Gadhafi to his knees."

"We need to be more helpful but troops on the ground is out of the question."

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