Hostages taken in Lindt Chocolate shop by armed robber (Sydney Australia, ISIS flag seen displayed)

news.com.au ^ | 15th December 2014

[naturalman1975]

A hostage has been forced to hold up an Islamic State flag in the window of a shop in Martin Place that is currently under siege.

It is believed there are 12 hostages in the store and an ISIS flag has been placed in the window.

Martin Place is the main financial area of the Sydney CBD.

[naturalman1975]

They’ve shut down a fair chunk of the city - no people allowed in except officially.

[VanShuyten]

No. It was just a flat-bed semi with four large, clear water tanks up by the cab.

[caww]

Glad to hear that as people were swarming for a while there.

[naturalman1975]

2 more people escaped or released. 5 in total

[radu]

Yes, it’s been shut down for a while. Was just answering the question as to whether or not people were still on the streets close to the café.

[PghBaldy]

Maybe it was the distortion through the window, but the man I saw in the window looked pretty old for a terrorist, FWIW.

[Kackikat]

I understand it’s a tourist area and lots of people go there for coffee in A M, it was about 9:45 AM when gunman went in carrying a blue back pack bag with the gun....the Café is in the CBD area of Sidney...lots of people.

My description is what I have picked up in various online news, and the UT link, The poster in Au, and from other sources, it’s quite startling how calm the whole scenario is...it reminds me of Dragnet:
‘just the facts ma’am’

Our media used to be that way, I just wonder what happened?

[Riley]

Good analysis. Trying to weigh that against being able to offer detailed, professional intelligence to an entry team commander. A pro who is in a position to escape is in a position to take a lot of the variables out of an assault.

Not arguing a point, just thinking this over.

[matt1234]

One of the trucks was carrying what looked like big tanks of water,

maybe for decontamination if a Chem or radiological agent is released.

[radu]

I think those people may have been the folks they were evacuating from the neighboring businesses. It had to take a little while to get everyone out of there.

[PghBaldy]

Wikipedia says it was founded in 1953.

[Kackikat]

I heard the guy outside, who was bumped describe him as middle aged...and someone said there were 2 others were with him, so maybe they did not go inside, or actually were not with him.

The texting hostage said be careful, and the vest issue came up, so something seems up. I guess time will tell.

[radu]

More good news! I hope even more are able to get out SOON.

[naturalman1975]

Trying to weigh that against being able to offer detailed, professional intelligence to an entry team commander.

Yes, that could make a difference too. You'd have to make the call. And God, I hope I never have to.

Same as the decision to fight. I'd want to fight back - but getting myself killed for no purpose - not smart.

[tcrlaf]

CNN has gone live one hour earlier than normal....
Started with Australia coverage.

[Kackikat]

That was a concern mentioned by a male reporter for ABC24 in the street.

[Kackikat]

Does you Australia TV show the way they came out? Same as other 3? Thanks.

[Jet Jaguar]

So, one captor?

thanks.

[naturalman1975]

I think so, but it’s hard to be certain - the camera angle was different.

[caww]

Hostages who fled earlier