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Islamist militants take hostages in Sydney cafe, display black jihadist flag
Edited time: December 15, 2014 03:05
A police operation is underway at a café in central Sydney, where up to 40 hostages are being held by unknown attackers and a black jihadist flag can be seen. It comes amid Australia’s backing of the US-led operation against the Islamic State.
A senior Lindt Australia official said that 10 staff and up to 30 customers could be held inside the Lindt Chocolate Café in Martin Place. There were “probably 30 customers” at the time of the attack, Sky Business quoted Lindt Australia Chief Executive Steve Loane as saying. There was no immediate confirmation of the exact number of assailants.
The area surrounding the cafe has been sealed off by armed police, and Australian authorities have cleared airspace over central Sydney to make way for police helicopters.
Media reports said that one of the hostages managed to post a tweet, in which he warned that police should be “cautious.”
“A police operation is underway in Martin Place, Sydney’s CBD. People are advised to avoid the area,” New South Wales (NSW) police tweeted.
Meanwhile, live TV footage showed people standing inside a café with their hands pressed against the windows. At least one of the attackers was caught on camera wearing a traditional Islamic cap.
The hostages were forced to hold a black flag with an Arabic inscription, prompting fears that ruthless Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) militants were behind the attack.
Reports on the ground suggest that young women being held hostage in the cafe are being used as a shield, while an attacker is seen pacing around the room.
Following news that police were trying to establish contact with the hostage-takers, reports of their demands emerged on local media.
A captor reportedly demanded to speak with Prime Minister Tony Abbott live on the radio, Australian radio host of 2GB morning show, Ray Hadley, has said. Hadley added that hostages inside the cafe contacted him. He declined airing their conversation for the safety of those inside the building.