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Explosions reported in Zimbabwean capital, soldiers take over national broadcaster Zimbabwe’s military seizes power, takes over national broadcaster
(about 5 hours later)
Armed soldiers have been deployed to the streets of the Zimbabwean capital Harare, according to witness reports cited by Reuters and AP. Explosions have been heard in the city, with their cause unclear so far. The military have reportedly taken over the state broadcaster ZBC, manhandling some of the staff. This comes amid growing speculations of a possible military coup in Zimbabwe after army commander General Constantino Chiwenga issued a rare challenge to 93-year-old president Robert Mugabe. Earlier, Mugabe fired vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of plotting to take power. Mnangagwa, who had the support of the country's military, then left the country. General Chiwenga reacted by accusing Mugabe of political purges, and was accused of "treasonable conduct" in turn. The UK and the US have advised their nationals in Zimbabwe to stay home until the situation is clearer. The American embassy in Harare has announced it will be closed Wednesday. Zimbabwe's military says it has seized power in an assault on “criminals” around President Robert Mugabe, who “were committing crimes that [were] causing social and economic suffering in the country,” in a statement after taking over the national broadcaster ZBC. A military spokesman assured that Mugabe and his family were “safe and sound.” “As soon as we have accomplished our mission, we expect that the situation will return to normalcy,” the spokesman said. Soldiers and armored vehicles blocked roads to the government offices, parliament and the courts in Zimbabwe capital, Harare, a Reuters witness said. The events come amid growing speculation of a possible military coup in Zimbabwe after Mugabe fired Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of plotting to take power. Mnangagwa, who had the support of the military, then left the country.