Live television footage in Sydney estimates that there are 13 hostages in the Lindt Chocolate Café in Sydney, Australia. Their hands are pressed against the windows, where a black and white flag with Arabic letters is visible.
While initially reported as an ISIS flag, ITV has reported that the text translates as "There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is the messenger of God." And that it is not specifically linked with that particular terrorist group.
Australia is backing the United States in its action against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Armed police have closed off the surrounding area, which includes the Reserve Bank of Australia. Trains and buses have halted after a train operator said there was a bomb threat called in at Martin Place. Airspace over the area has also been closed.
According to Business Insider, the man, armed with a shotgun, have made demands to speak to "a senior Australian public figure" and warn that bombs have been placed at various locations in the city. That report, however, has not been verified.
Local officials are concerned that the armed man might be part of a home-grown Muslim faction that has returned from the Middle East.
UPDATE: Prime Minister Tony Abbott addressed reporters, and said security agencies had not detected any additional plots but that there are citizens in Australia with the "intent and capability" to carry out a terror attack. Abbott said there will be "more security" at airports, ports, military bases, public buildings and large public events.
"Normal life in Australia can and must go on," Abbott said.
UPDATE:
Confirmation from police that three hostages have been released. #SydneySiege
— Maria Lewis (@moviemazz) December 15, 2014#BREAKING: Two more hostages have just escaped from #sydneysiege
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) December 15, 2014
This is the moment the last woman escaped https://t.co/QyaNJ4cRbf
— Let it Di Stefasnow (@MarkDiStef) December 15, 2014
PREVIOUSLY:
BREAKING @SkyBusiness: @ljayes : #sydneysiege flag: "There is no god but Allah and Mohammed is the messenger of god". pic.twitter.com/LbzVQPYWca
— Carson Scott (@carsonscottLIVE) December 14, 2014
BREAKING: First photo of middle-aged hostage-taker, who is wearing a black bandana while conducting the #SydneySiege. pic.twitter.com/Rv2cvDG2vT
— Jack Moore (@JFXM) December 15, 2014
NSW Premier Mike Baird says his thoughts and prayers are with the people in the #sydneysiege. http://t.co/7NdqPYhwcY pic.twitter.com/I71KEcYFIy
— ABC News (@abcnews) December 15, 2014
Breaking: Sydney On Lockdown as Dramatic Siege Unfolds http://t.co/Xpjpgbf2Pb #sydneysiege pic.twitter.com/31KmD0zuIx
— Mother Jones (@MotherJones) December 15, 2014
PM Abbott on #sydneysiege: "I would urge all Australians today to go about their business as usual " pic.twitter.com/21WRvCOjzd
— TEN Eyewitness News (@channeltennews) December 15, 2014
UPDATE:
Local media reports hostages seen running out of cafe #sydneysiege #BREAKING we'll have latest @AJENews now
— Maryam Nemazee (@MaryamNemazee) December 15, 2014
Pic: One of the hostages escaping #sydneysiege #Lindt pic.twitter.com/yihzumJrgE
— Anonymous (@C0d3fr0sty) December 15, 2014
The punters are back taking selfies 100m from the Lindt Cafe #sydneysiege pic.twitter.com/JoAa9JO0Ep
— Let it Di Stefasnow (@MarkDiStef) December 15, 2014
[via ITV]
