News reports said at least 10 people were killed in clashes in Libya on Thursday during a "Day of Rage" organized by pro-democracy activists against the regime of Muammar al-Gaddafi.

Al Arabiya, citing the opposition Al-Youm and Al-Manara websites, reported that six people had been killed in the port city of Benghazi and four others slain in the northern town of al-Baida. Other reports said up to 14 people had been killed, but none of the reported deaths on Thursday were independently confirmed.

For several days, pro-democracy activists have been using social media to rally support for the protests. Bloggers said that Al-Gaddafi's son, Saif el-Islam Al-Gaddafi, made a speech warning demonstrators not to cross four lines he identified as: Islamic law, the Quran, the nation's security and Muammar al-Gaddafi. There have been arrests of human rights activists, journalists and professionals, according to Human Rights Watch.

Libyan media is reporting that thousands of demonstrators came into the streets of the capital, Tripoli, on Thursday to show support for Al-Gaddafi, who appeared at the rally. At the same time, international television networks were reporting violent attacks by security forces on democracy demonstrators in several cities, including the port of Bengazi, with reports of more than a dozen deaths. Al Jazeera aired dramatic telephone conversations with protesters, one of whom, audibly upset and fleeing, said he had just seen six people killed by thugs allied with the government.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles under 20 football team, which was playing in Benghazi was due to leave for Turkey on Thursday. The Nigerian football federation said it was monitoring the conditions in Libya, which is scheduled to host the Africa Under 20 championship in March.