UNFOLDING

Military Takes Over Zimbabwe’s State Broadcaster

Military officials deny they are staging a coup attempt.

The Zimbabwean military has taken over the country’s state broadcaster, and explosions have been reported in the capital city. Military officers went on the state TV network to declare that they would begin “targeting criminals.” The incidents come amid a dispute between General Constantino Chiwenga, the leader of Zimbabwe’s army, and President Robert Mugabe. Chiwenga threatened to fight back against Mugabe after he ousted the country’s vice president. The U.S. State Department says it is “closely monitoring” the situation, and American citizens in Zimbabwe have reportedly been urged to shelter in place. Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa has denied that a coup is underway, but Mugabe has been silent. The military officers themselves have also denied that they are engaging in a coup, saying Mugabe and his family are safe.