Tanks seen near Zimbabwe’s capital but streets calm

Several loud explosions echoed across the centre of the Zimbabwean capital Harare in the early hours of Wednesday after troops deployed on the streets and seized the state broadcaster, prompting speculation of a coup, a Reuters witness said.

The Guardian last night reported Harare was “in a state of chaos” adding that the government had accused the head of the armed forces of “treasonable conduct”.

Armed military vehicles seen driving through the capital had earlier sparked rumours of a coup attempt, just a day after the country’s military chief - flanked by other senior officers - warned that he was prepared to “step in” to end turmoil in the ruling Zanu-PF party.

Witnesses reported seeing several lorries full of soldiers and at least six armoured vehicles on roads approaching Harare in the late afternoon on Tuesday, though residents said there were no signs of troops at the airport or the residence of 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe.

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A second column of military vehicles was later reported moving down the same road. The Guardian said it remained unclear who ordered the military movement.