Hostage Situation in Sydney Continues

An armed individual took several citizens hostage in a café in downtown Sydney on December 15. Recent reports indicate that five hostages have managed to escape from the café. Meanwhile, a picture of the hostage-taker has been released by Channel 7 Australia, which filmed it, but it is still unclear if this image is of the armed individual. According to France Press citing Channel 10 Australia, the man who initiated the hostage situation requested a flag of the 'Islamic State' and claimed that four bombs have been planted in various locations around the city. The police have not independently confirmed any of these reports. A group of state police and special forces are outside the café. The flag held by the individual and shown in the café does not resemble the 'Islamic State' flag, although it bears the Shahada and has a black background. Andrew Scipione, the police inspector of New South Wales, where Sydney is located, previously told reporters that 'the armed individual has taken an unspecified number of people hostage in a building at Martin Place.' Mr. Scipione did not provide many details to the media and did not disclose the exact number of hostages. One of the hostages who managed to escape stated that the number of hostages is more than 20 according to CBC Canada, while Sky News Australia reports that nearly 13 people have been taken hostage in the café-chocolate shop. The Australian news website 'News' quoted the executive director of the Lindt chocolate shop, where the hostage situation occurred, suggesting that there could be between 40 to 50 people inside. The Australian police, which has not released details about the exact number of hostages, stated that it is 'less than 30.' Katherine Burn, another state police inspector, told reporters that police negotiators are in contact with the hostage-taker. According to her, there is still no evidence that anyone has been harmed. Special forces have entered the commercial and administrative area of the city, and the city police have asked citizens to avoid approaching the area as much as possible. All news networks reported about a black flag with Arabic writings from the beginning of the hostage situation. This flag was seen in one of the images held by individuals inside the café who appear to be hostages themselves. For a while, it was unclear what the flag inside the café was, but media speculated that the armed individual might be a supporter or member of the 'Islamic State' in Australia. However, it is unclear why the hostage-taker specifically requested the 'ISIS' flag and whether he was aware of the differences between the flags (the one he holds and the flag of the Islamic State). It seems that those holding the flag in the window are café staff. Concurrently with the hostage situation in downtown Sydney, the Sydney Opera House was evacuated and closed following the discovery of a suspicious package. Tony Abbott, the Prime Minister, and the Australian government have convened an emergency security meeting. The Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the incident in Sydney while assuring Australians that 'our law enforcement and security personnel are well-trained and equipped and will respond to this incident professionally and appropriately.' He stated that the exact reason for the situation is still unclear. Abbott addressed the public, saying, 'Australia is a peaceful, open country, and a generous society. Nothing should change that. That is why I ask everyone to go about their usual business.' Australia is part of a coalition led by the United States that is fighting against 'Islamic State' forces and conducting airstrikes against their positions and individuals in Iraq. The country had previously reported conducting anti-terror operations against Islamists; for instance, last September, the Prime Minister announced that individuals linked to the 'Islamic State' intended to randomly kidnap someone in Sydney and then behead them in public. The police have cordoned off the area around the hostage situation at Martin Place. Concurrently with the hostage situation at Martin Place, the Australian Federal Police stated that they have arrested two individuals on suspicion of connections to 'terrorist operations.' AFP (Australian Federal Police) reported that one of these individuals was arrested in connection with investigations into conducting terrorist operations in Australia and facilitating the dispatch of its citizens to Syria. The website 'Sterling' reported that this individual was arrested while leaving a prayer house. Another man has also been reported to be in custody.