Zimbabwe crisis: What factors led to military intervention?

There is growing uncertainty in Zimbabwe after soldiers on Wednesday took over the headquarters of the state broadcaster ZBC and blocked access to government offices. But the army says this it is not a military take over.

South African President Jacob Zuma says he talked to his close ally Robert Mugabe, who told him he is safe but confined to his house.

The unfolding crisis comes amid an apparent bid to expand the Mugabe dynasty. First Lady Grace Mugabe is said to be eyeing the vice presidency after President Mugabe sacked his deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa, an ally of the army, on November 8.

Al Jazeera’s Bernard Smith looks at the political background that led to the military intervention.