A supporter of Libyan President Moammar Gadhafi poses during a pro-government demonstration in Tripoli today. According to opposition leaders and websites, protesters seeking to oust Gadhafi defied a crackdown and took to the streets today.

CAIRO — Libyan protesters seeking to oust longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi defied a crackdown and took to the streets in four cities today on what activists have dubbed a “day of rage,” amid reports that at least 14 demonstrators have been killed in clashes with pro-government groups.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said Libyan internal security forces also have arrested at least 14 people. Hundreds of pro-government demonstrators also rallied in the capital, Tripoli, blocking traffic in some areas, witnesses said.

Organizers were using social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to call for nationwide demonstrations.

Gadhafi’s government has moved quickly to try to stop Libyans from joining the wave of uprisings in the Middle East that have ousted the leaders of Egypt and Tunisia. It has proposed the doubling of government employees’ salaries and released 110 suspected Islamic militants who oppose him — tactics similar to those adopted by other Arab regimes facing recent mass protests.

An autocrat who has ruled for more than 40 years, Gadhafi also has been meeting with tribal leaders to solicit their support.