Sydney under siege: ISIS terrorists take 4o people as hostages in Sydney cafe

Sydney, Australia: Hostages have been held inside a cafe in central Sydney on Monday with an Islamic flag displayed against a window, according to witnesses and reports, while police said they were also responding to an "incident" at the nearby Opera House.

Martin Place in the central business district was shut down as scores of armed police surrounded the Lindt chocolate cafe, with TV pictures showing a flag -- black with white Arabic writing -- held to a window by terrified customers.

Reports say as many as 40 people are in the cafe and that there is at least one gunman, although police had no immediate comment, only confirming that an operation was underway.

One armed man is holding an undisclosed number of hostages in a siege in Sydney, police said on Monday, adding that it was yet to be deemed a terrorism event.

"I can confirm for you that we have an armed defender in the premises holding an undisclosed number of hostages in the city, in the Martin Place area," New South Wales state police commissioner Andrew Scipione told a press conference.

Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs that sounded like gun shots.

Here are the highlights -

·        Lindt Cafe's statement on the siege

The following statement was posted on Lindt Cafe's Facebook page: "We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and kind support over the current situation at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe at Martin Place. We are deeply concerned over this serious incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the staff and customers involved and all their friends and families. The matter is being dealt with by the authorities and we are waiting for any updates from them."

·        Indian consulate in Sydney closed down as a precautionary measure.

·        Offices in Sydney being evacuated.

     PM Modi tweets ‘Sydney incident disturbing’

·        US Consulate near hostage cafe evacuated, security warning issued.

The consulate has also issued an emergency warning to US citizens in Sydney, urging them to "maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security".

·        Major landmarks in the city, including Sydney Opera house, evacuated.