Military coup allegedly underway in Gabon

BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:45 A.M.) – A military coup has allegedly begun inside the oil-rich west African nation of Gabon, the BBC reported this morning.

According to the BBC report, the military in Gabon announced that it seized power over the oil-rich nation in order to “restore democracy.”

They took control of the national radio station in the early hours of Monday to read a short statement announcing a “National Restoration Council”.

Tanks and armed vehicles can be seen on the streets of the capital Libreville.

President Ali Bongo took over power in 2009. He reportedly suffered a stroke in October and received treatment in Morocco.