6 protesters killed in Libya clashes

Libyan opposition and activists, using social-networking sites, have called for more protests Thursday against the regime of Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi, hoping to gain momentum from revolts in Tunisia, Egypt and elsewhere in the Mideast.

At least six people have been killed and more than forty others injured during clashes between security forces and pro-democracy protesters in Libya as the country braces for “Day of Anger.”

At least four people were killed in clashes at anti-government demonstrations in the eastern Libyan town of al-Baida, opposition websites and Libyan NGOs based overseas said on Thursday.

They also said security forces and pro-government militias used live ammunition to disperse a peaceful demonstration by the youth.

Two pro-democracy protesters were also killed and dozens more injured in clashes with police in Benghazi city.

Protests broke out in the city of Benghazi on Tuesday night following the detention of a human rights activist who was an outspoken opponent of Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi.

Security forces fired tear gas and used water cannons to break up the demonstrations and arrested scores of opposition supporters.

At least 40 people were wounded during clashes between supporters of Gaddafi and pro-democracy protesters, the medics said.

Libyans, who have been emboldened by recent revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt that unseated two authoritarian regimes, vowed to continue rallies on Thursday called the “Day of Anger.”