The path to democracy in Egypt continues to be a rocky journey.  The Arab nation has been the scene of violent and deadly protests since Friday.  At least 13 people were killed in the clashes between protesters and the nation’s military forces.

Security forces raided the encampment in Tahrir Square before dawn Monday morning, using tear gas and opening fire on protesters.  Initial reports put Monday’s death toll at three.

The current round of protests began three weeks ago as a sit-in to demand the military leaders immediately hand over political control to a civilian authority.

Members of the ruling military committee see the protests as a threat to the country. “There is a methodical and premeditated plot to topple the state, but Egypt will not fall.   The media is helping sabotage the state. This is certain,” Maj. Gen. Adel Emara said.

Protesters returned to Tahrir Square after dawn Monday morning and it does not appear that the violent clashes are over.

“Rocks and Molotov cocktails are being thrown on both sides,” one witness, Ahmed Raafat, told the BBC. “Water canons are used against protesters, and from time to time we hear gunshots coming from the security forces' side.”

Voters in Egypt will vote in run-off elections later in the week to finalize the first official democratic government since Hosni Mubarak stepped down in February 2011.