Islamic militants take hostages, shock Australia

Hundreds of armed Australian police were mobilized to rescue hostages at a cafe, while the famous Sydney Opera House was locked down due to a suspected bomb.

Female hostages forced to hang flags similar to those of IS

According to Australian media, at least 13 hostages were taken in a cafe. Images from the scene showed a woman crying and being forced to hold a flag similar to that of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) with the words: "There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah".

Witnesses at the scene said they clearly saw the hostages crying when the kidnappers asked them to hang the flag with the above words.

Unverified information on the Dailymail said the terrorist group had 'planted devices throughout the city' and demanded to speak directly to the Australian Prime Minister.

The Sydney Herald said at least two gunmen were holding hostages, one of whom appeared to have “explosive devices and a handgun”. The newspaper said dozens of armed Australian police had arrived at the scene but were unable to attack.

Australian armed police cordon off the scene

The kidnapping and flag-raising incident that shocked Australia came just hours after a 25-year-old suspect was arrested in an anti-terror raid in Sydney.

The Sydney Opera House is also closed and sealed off by police after reports of an explosive device being planted there.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a statement that the incident was “extremely concerning”. Mr Abbott reassured Australians that the country’s law enforcement and security agencies were “well-trained and equipped” and ready to respond fully to terrorist activity.

The Australian Prime Minister's Office said the country's Cabinet's national security committee met this morning to deal with the crisis.

Video: Police surround cafe

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According to VTC News/source: CNN, Dailymail