PRESIDENT ROBERT MUGABE REMOVED FROM POWER TODAY BY A STAGED COUP IN ZIMBABWE+HIS UNDER HOUSE ARREST.{PHOTOS}.

     According to CNN ''Military leaders in the impoverished southern African nation of Zimbabwe have staged an apparent coup, placing veteran President Robert Mugabe under house arrest and deploying tanks to the streets of the capital, Harare.The President of neighboring South Africa, Jacob Zuma, said 93-year-old Mugabe -- the world's oldest living leader -- was unable to leave his home. Troops were reportedly stationed at the country's parliament and presidential palace.In a dramatic televised statement in the early hours of Wednesday morning, an army spokesman denied that a military takeover was underway.But the situation bore all the hallmarks of a coup: The army was in control of the state TV in Harare, there was a significant military presence at the international airport, and Mugabe's whereabouts were unknown for hours.The intervention came after weeks of political turmoil, in which Mugabe sacked his powerful Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who enjoyed wide support in the military and was tipped to become the next leader. The move fueled speculation Mugabe would try to install his wife, Grace, to succeed him.Military in charge: The military announced on state television station ZBC at 4 a.m. that it was conducting an operation to target "criminals" close to the President who were causing "social and economic suffering.".President's location: The military said Mugabe and his family were "safe." South Africa's Zuma later said Mugabe had been confined to his home, but was feeling "fine.".Situation on streets: The streets of the capital were reportedly quiet but lines were seen outside banks. CNN saw army checkpoints at key locations''.Another source said ''Gunshots and at least one explosion could be heard in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, early Wednesday morning, as what appears to be a military putsch continues to unfold.Military spokesman Major General S.B. Moyo addressed the nation early Wednesday after the army took control of the country’s airwaves, telling Zimbabweans that President Robert Mugabe and his family “are safe and sound and their security is guaranteed.” The target of the military’s action is very likely Grace Mugabe, the 52-year-old wife of the 93-year-old president, who has been positioning herself to succeed him. This seems to be confirmed with reports of the military detaining finance minister Ignatius Chombo, a leader in the faction of the ruling party loyal to Mrs Mugabe.

Moyo, insisting that the army’s actions were not a military coup, claimed that army is “only targeting criminals around [Mugabe] who are committing crimes,” although he cautioned that the situation in Zimbabwe “has moved to another level.”.Moyo warned that “any provocation will be met with an appropriate response.”.In Harare, civilians have reported gunfire near Mugabe’s private residence in Harare’s Borrowdale neighborhood, and an explosion was heard near the University of Zimbabwe early this morning. The situation in the capital now seems calm, with a handful of soldiers outside the Presidential palace the only visible sign of change''.More photos below.