Gunman Takes Hostages In Sydney Cafe, 'ISIS' Flags Held

[SMcP114]

Girlfriend works in Martin Place and has been evacuated from work. I think they're having problems evacuating the building itself as the lift doors open directly toward the cafe in question.

[Justayellowbadge]

If, if, this is ISIS:

Is there a significant Australian component to the action opposing ISIS?

Or is this an attack on an English speaking country without the consequences of doing the same in NY, DC or even London?

[200bhp]

There is a small number of Australian aircraft, mostly in support roles in the middle east.

[egor110]

Justayellowbadge said:

If, if, this is ISIS:

Is there a significant Australian component to the action opposing ISIS?

Or is this an attack on an English speaking country without the consequences of doing the same in NY, DC or even London?

They arrested another man yesterday on terrorism charges, perhaps they were planning something else knew the game was up so just wanted to do something?

[AreOut]

"Ray Hadley, a presenter at 2GB radio station, is saying the hostage takers want to talk to the prime minister, Tony Abbott, live on air."

oh well, at least someone wants to talk to him

BlackLabel said:

Not that it makes a huge difference to the hostages but apparently it's not specifically an ISIS flag but a general jihadist flag. The black flag of Khorasan.

http://time.com/3430960/obama-isis-khorasan-terror...

that's the flag of McCain's "moderate" rebel factions in Syria, will that fcker ever admit that he scrood up

[hornetrider]

These scumbags can't be far off doing something similar over here.

[scenario8]

Well, around 10,500 miles.

[Colonial]

B17NNS said:

Airspace above Sydney closed.

No it's not.

[B17NNS]

Colonial said:

No it's not.

Don't shoot the messenger.

[AreOut]

actually the small part of the airspace is closed for civilian traffic as police helicopters hover above the scene...airplanes are rerouted to go around a bit

[zygalski]

Some Gump said:

Hope the girls get out OK...

Me too. And the old people, and any children. The male hostages in there aged 16-60 clearing had it coming.

[heebeegeetee]

egor110 said:

You wonder if other countries allowed citizens to carry firearms if isis would still be up for hostage taking.

Most countries are a soft target, but knowing that most people in that cafe could be armed might make them re think if it's quite such a good idea when your potential targets are able to fight back.

Life is more peaceful in countries where people carry guns? Thats definitely not the case where these jihadists come from.

[Colonial]

heebeegeetee said:

Life is more peaceful in countries where people carry guns? Thats definitely not the case where these jihadists come from.

Or the US.

[Pesty]

[Munka01]

In a building just round the corner and been told not to leave. Hope this ends peacefully

[MLH]

Reports of someone being spotted in the hospital with a suspicious package who now cant be found.

[Mr_B]

Pesty said:

If there is just one or two and they are walking around in view like that, it can't be long before that window shatters suddenly and he drops to the floor in a bloody mess.
I hope they are that amateur and dumb.

[dandarez]

Munka01 said:

In a building just round the corner and been told not to leave. Hope this ends peacefully

So does any normal person. Good luck! And to the poor buggers holed up with the nutjobs.

In late just hearing about this/ One report says 40-50 people could be in cafe.

Chrise, 9 days to Christmas when all sane people are thinking about nothing but Christmas.
Perhaps we all ought to be a little more vigilant over the coming days (here as well, I mean).

Pray all get out without injury or loss (excluding the nutjobs of course).

http://www.news.com.au/national/a-man-is-holding-s...

[MLH]

Mr_B said:

If there is just one or two and they are walking around in view like that, it can't be long before that window shatters suddenly and he drops to the floor in a bloody mess.
I hope they are that amateur and dumb.

2. Using a woman as a human shield (obviously not in that photo though)

[MLH]

Sydney Harbour bridge closed.