LONDON - British Foreign Secretary William Hague says the UK and allies should prepare for a lengthy operation in Libya.

A spokeswoman for Prime Minister David Cameron said on Tuesday that Hague told Britain's Cabinet they must be ready for the "long haul" in Libya. She spoke on customary condition of anonymity in line with policy.

Hague planned to address lawmakers later on developments in Libya, Syria and the wider region.

Defense Secretary Liam Fox was holding talks in Washington on Libya with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff.

Fox has warned Gadhafi that he or others involved in organizing offensives launched by his loyalists could now be considered a legitimate target in airstrikes.