Police and protesters clashed for control of downtown Cairo's Tahrir Square on Saturday, November 19 after security forces tried to stop activists from staging a long-term sit-in in the symbolic site.

According to The Associated Press, protesters attacked a police armored truck, shaking it and pummeling it with rocks. Earlier in the day, riot police beat protesters and dismantled a small tent city set up to commemorate revolutionary martyrs.

The clashes occurred after activists camped in the central square overnight following a massive Friday rally. The military tolerates daytime demonstrations in the central square, a symbol of the country's Jan. 25 - Feb. 11 uprising, but claims that long-term occupation paralyzes the city.

Friday's rally was dominated by Islamists, but the sit-in appeared to be staged mostly by members of left- and liberal-leaning revolutionary youth groups.

The number of protesters swelled to nearly 600 people as news of the scuffles spread in the city, and thousands more riot police streamed into Tahrir Square blocking off the entrances and clashing with protesters.

Police were seen beating activists who challenged them.