Sydney Islamist seized dozens of hostages in the cafe – RBC

Armed police on 15 December 2014 in Sydney

Photo: Fotobank / Getty Images

Around 9:45 am local time on Monday a man burst into the cafe and asked the visitors to raise the black-and-white flag of the “Islamic State” (IG), reports the Australian TV channel 7 news.

According to various sources, at that time in the cafe was from 13 to 30 visitors.

Australian police confirmed that it is dealing with “armed incident,” according to Reuters. “Experts are trying to make contact with those who are inside” – reported on page New South Wales Police in Facebook.

Television footage showed, which show how people inside the cafe stand with hands pressed to the windows. One of the hostages pressed to the window, the flag of the “Islamic State».

Because of the precautions of the nearby offices evacuated. Those who are in buildings around the area Martin Place, which is a cafe, it is recommended to stay indoors and away from open windows.

Cafe surrounded by dozens of armed police. Police blocked traffic. Hundreds of law enforcement and fire blocked the Martin Place.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said at a briefing that he convene a meeting of the National Committee for security.

A few hours before the Australian police arrested Sydney man in an operation to eliminate the diversion channel on the territory controlled by an “Islamic state”, fighters and funds, reports Reuters. The authorities do not have information, that the detention of an accomplice of the Islamists and the taking of hostages in a cafe linked.

According to the latest intelligence services of the country, on the side of the Islamists in Iraq and Syria, fighting dozens of Australians. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said that at least 70 Australians fought in Iraq and Syria, and in the Australia there are about 100 “coordinators” who are engaged in their recruitment.