Oman and Bahrain have recognized Libya's rebel-led council as the country's legitimate international representatives.

They are the latest Arab nations to break off relations with Moamer Gaddafi's regime in favor of the National Transitional Council.

The statement on Tuesday by Oman's Foreign Ministry also urged Libyan rebels to keep the country from drifting into lawlessness as opposition forces move against Gaddafi's last strongholds in the capital Tripoli.

The official Bahrain News Agency says the kingdom expressed hopes that the rebel council can lead Libya to stability and reconstruction.