Egypt's military rulers say they will “confront” any actions that “harm public interests” as anti-government protesters occupy central Cairo's Tahrir Square for a fifth day.

In a statement Tuesday, the military council called for “all necessary measures” to prevent further disruptions after demonstrators in recent days blocked an entrance to a government building and staged sit-ins.

Earlier Tuesday, a group of men armed with knives and sticks stormed a tent camp set up by opposition activists in Tahrir Square last Friday. The protesters confronted the assailants and forced them out.

Tens of thousands of people rallied in Tahrir Square on Friday to demand that Egypt's military rulers purge the government and police of supporters of autocratic former President Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted in a popular uprising in February.

Hundreds of activists have been camping at the square since Friday, refusing to leave until their demands are met and threatening to expand their protest to other parts of Cairo. Anti-government activists also have staged sit-ins in the cities of Alexandria and Suez.

Egypt's military-appointed Prime Minister Essam Sharaf responded to the protests Monday by pledging to reshuffle his Cabinet within a week. His comments drew a dismissive response from Cairo protesters who said they lacked guarantees and detail.

The military council expressed support for the prime minister Tuesday and reiterated its commitment to hand over power to a “legitimate civilian government” following parliamentary and presidential elections.