Astraliyskaya police were going to rescue the hostages without the use of force – BBC News

The situation with the hostage-taking in Australia may remain unresolved until Tuesday. Police stated that they intend to settle the matter peacefully. The exact number and the number of captured terrorists are still not clear.

Waiting outside Martin Place (Sydney) has lasted for more than twelve hours. And some clarity – about what is happening no more. How, after all the hostages – 50 or closer to 15? This Is a bomb in the hands of criminals? Acting on his own initiative, or sent on a mission sinister “Islamic state”? Is it true that by going to the cafe, he hid in other places two explosive devices? He alone, or does it still have an assistant? Who and what turned off the light inside the cafe?

The answer to all these questions no one else, including in counter-terrorism units. That is why the assault to which everything was ready in the first hours after the seizure, and not started. And it is unlikely to begin: the police announced that it intends to resolve this matter peacefully. Disperse onlookers call: crowds of people getting nervous as a criminal and the police.

custody order can be understood. People come here not so much then, to learn the latest news, how to do self against the backdrop of the ill-fated cafe. And these photos in the network – dozens. Russians among the hostages – no, this is confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But among the witnesses one of our compatriots.

Let me remind you, special operations police began a few minutes later, after reports of hostage-taking. The reaction rate was due to the fact where the crime occurred – is the center of the city, the famous opera – a couple of minutes walk. Stir in the quarter closed. Rose in the air helicopters. Soon, five prisoners escaped from the cafe. Since then, nothing new has happened. Police are trying to negotiate. Now – without much success.

Guards say that established the identity of the attacker, but not yet called name. Incidentally, he was in the lenses of the Australian channel “7-news” – dark-skinned middle-aged man with a bandage on his forehead.

Meanwhile, the Muslim community in the country, made a statement on the events in Sydney. From the point of view of the Grand Mufti of the country, taking hostages, under the guise of religious slogans – is unacceptable.