US encourages citizens in Zimbabwe to 'shelter in place' amid political turmoil

Harare [Zimbabwe], November 15 (ANI): The United States on Wednesday encouraged its citizens residing here to 'shelter in place' amid political turmoil in the country.

The U.S. Embassy in Harare took to its Twitter handle to inform the people about the same.

"Due to ongoing uncertainty in Zimbabwe, the U.S. Embassy in Harare will be minimally staffed and closed to the public on November 15. Embassy personnel will continue to monitor the situation closely. @StateDept," U.S. Embassy in Harare Tweeted.

Due to ongoing uncertainty in Zimbabwe, the U.S. Embassy in Harare will be minimally staffed and closed to the public on November 15. Embassy personnel will continue to monitor the situation closely. @StateDept

— U.S. Embassy Harare (@usembassyharare) November 15, 2017

This came after reports emerging that the Zimbabwean soldiers with Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF) reportedly seized control of the state broadcasting outlet in the wee hours of the Wednesday morning.

The move is being speculated as a military coup against President Robert Mugabe, reported the Sputnik.

Two workers for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and human rights worker claimed that the soldiers occupied the state broadcasters' headquarters here.

The staffers of the state broadcasting claimed that they were manhandled by the soldiers as they took control of the office.

Meanwhile, as per reports, gunfights and at least three explosions in the streets were heard in the country capital. The house of President Mugabe has also been occupied by the military. (ANI)