US House votes over Libya

The US House of Representatives has dealt a symbolic blow to President Obama's military intervention in Libya, by rejecting a resolution to authorise operations for one year.

The vote reflects the anger among some members of Congress at Mr Obama's refusal to consult them prior to launching the campaign.

Speaking ahead of the vote, the Republican House Speaker John Boehner argued for the measure, saying the president must take ownership of the war.

The Democrats responded by accusing the Republicans of playing politics with national security.

"The message will go to every nation of the world that America does not keep faith with its allies," Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland said on the House floor.

Later on Friday, Democrats and 89 Republicans beat back an effort to cut off funding for drone attacks and airstrikes against Libya.