Sen. John McCain has called for the United States to lead an international effort to protect the Syrian population by carrying out airstrikes on Syrian government forces.

McCain said the U.S."should lead an international effort" to help protect key population areas in Syria using airstrikes, during remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

"To be clear: This will require the United States to suppress enemy air defenses in at least part of the country," McCain said. “The ultimate goal of airstrikes should be to establish and defend safe havens in Syria, especially in the north, in which opposition forces can organize and plan their political and military activities against Assad.

"These safe havens could serve as platforms for the delivery of humanitarian and military assistance – including weapons and ammunition, body armor and other personal protective equipment, tactical intelligence, secure communications equipment, food and water, and medical supplies. These safe havens could also help the Free Syrian Army and other armed groups in Syria to train and organize themselves into more cohesive and effective military forces, likely with the assistance of foreign partners."