Targeting criminals, not a military takeover of government: Zimbabwe military

Gunfire was heard near Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's house in Harareon Wednesday with military officers claiming they were not launching a coup but were "targeting criminals around" the president.

A Zimbabwe military officer read out an address live on state TV saying,"It is not a military takeover of government."

Military vehicles were seen on the streets at Harare, however, the army denied a coup was underway.

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Reports said the Army had taken control of the nation's broadcasting organization ZBC.

Recently, Mugabe-led ZANU-PF party had accused General Constantino Chiwenga of "treasonable conduct" leading to tensions between the government and army.

"We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes... As soon as we have accomplished our mission we expect that the situation will return to normalcy," a military leadersaid during the state broadcast.

Earlier, several tanks were seen moving near the Zimbabwean capital Harare witnesses told AFP, a day after the army warned it could intervene over a purge of ruling party officials.

Zimbabwe military officers said President Robert Mugabe was safe, adding,"We wish to assure the nation that his excellency the president... and his family are safe and sound and their security is guaranteed."

Meanwhile, The US ambassador in Zimbabwe has instructed all employees to remain home due to "ongoing political uncertainty," the embassy said in a statement on its website.

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Also read: Zimbabwe: President Mugabe under house arrest, army denies coup