The interim Honduran government has extended a curfew until Wednesday morning after security forces clashed with supporters of the country's ousted president. Information Minister Rene Zepeda says the measure was taken 'to protect national security.' The government had imposed a 26-hour curfew beginning Monday afternoon, closing businesses and schools and leaving the capital's streets nearly deserted. The new decree extends the curfew until 6 a.m. Wednesday. Baton-wielding soldiers on Tuesday used tear gas and water cannons to chase away thousands who were demonstrating outside the Brazilian embassy, where deposed President Manuel Zelaya is holed up. All the nation's international airports and border posts were closed and roadblocks set up to keep Zelaya supporters from massing for protests. 