Zimbabwe's military leaders have seized control of the impoverished southern African nation, placing veteran leader 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.
Military in charge: An army spokesman 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 spokesman 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 quiet but lines were seen outside banks. CNN saw army checkpoints at key locations.
It seemed likely that the apparent coup was designed to settle a simmering succession battle in the ruling Zanu PF party, which came to a head two weeks ago when Mugabe sacked his powerful Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mugabe's decision fueled speculation that he was preparing to anoint wife, Grace, as his successor. Grace Mugabe, 52, is widely disliked within the party's old guard, while Mnangagwa enjoyed wide support in the military.
The first signs that a military intervention was underway came Tuesday afternoon as tanks were seen near the capital.
The situation escalated with the early morning announcement, when Maj. Gen. S.B. Moyo addressed the country on state TV, vehemently denying the operation was a coup.
"To both our people and the world beyond our borders, we wish to make it abundantly clear that this is not a military takeover of government," he said.
"As soon as we accomplish our mission we expect situation to return to normalcy."
Moyo told members of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces that all leave was canceled and soldiers were expected to return to their barracks immediately. He urged Zimbabwe's other security services to cooperate for "the good of our country."
Moyo said that the security of Mugabe and his family was "guaranteed" and said the president was safe, but gave no information of his whereabouts.
There were reports Wednesday that officials were being arrested.
South African president Jacob Zuma later said he had spoken with Mugabe by phone and that the veteran politician was confined to his home but feeling "fine."

(Source: CNN)