Anyone following the breaking news out of Sydney?

They are now saying it is NOT an ISIS flag:

"The flag in the window in Martin Place is not an ISIS flag. It reads: ‘There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of God.’"

**

A number of people are being held hostage in a siege at a cafe in the heart of Sydney's CBD.

At least three people have been seen with their hands raised and pressed against the windows of the Lindt Chocolat Cafe, in Martin Place.

A black flag with Arabic text has also been seen hanging in the shop window.

The flag, which has been waved behind the hostages, has white text that says: "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of God."

Dozens of heavily-armed police officers wearing protective clothing and helmets have flooded the area with guns drawn.

Witnesses have reported hearing loud bangs that sounded like gun shots.

One block of Martin Place has been cordoned off between Elizabeth Street and Phillip Street.

Police have urged members of the public to avoid the area, and workers from nearby buildings are being told to evacuate to Hyde Park.

The Channel Seven building, opposite the cafe, is among those evacuated.

Seven producer Patrick Byrne said staff at the network watched the situation unfold.

"We raced to the window and saw the shocking and chilling sight of people putting their hands up against the panes of glass at the cafe," he said.

"This was just extraordinary.

"Then, as we were looking wondering what was going on, it seemed to be like an armed hold-up, more police arrived at Martin Place.

"The area was cleared. People were kept back.

"It was then that gasps went through the newsroom as an ISIS flag was put up against one of the window panes."

Elleanor Gillard, who works in the same building as the cafe, said police had told them to stay inside and away from the doors.

"We've just been notifying everyone on the floors above - I'm on the ground - not to come down in the lift because the lifts open up right in the foyer between us and Lindt [Chocolat Cafe]," she said.

She said she saw a look of terror on the faces of two hostages who appeared to have been forced up against the glass.

"I'm just thinking about the guys in Lindt - the people we see everyday, go in and buy our coffee from them - and I'm sure they're terrified. It must be horrible for them."article link

They are now saying it is NOT an ISIS flag:

"The flag in the window in Martin Place is not an ISIS flag. It reads: ‘There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of God.’"

This just makes me sick! Though I now live here in the US, that is where I am from, and have walked by that very spot more times then I can count. I am so tired of selfish individuals.

One article says they are saying there are bombs around the area also. That sounds very terrorist to me.

 This is what I believe terrorism will be from now on. We are a global vilage now, something happening in Sydney that may have been  side blurb in your morning paper in the past is now beamed directly to our T.V's in real time.

 The point on terrorism is to terrorize, & several "small" attacks will play on a national psyche.

From a Reuters report:

"Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who has warned of militant plans to strike Australian targets, said there were indications the hostage situation at the Lindt Cafe was politically motivated."

This was what I meant when I said that I doubt it is terrorism per se. A person who robs a bank and takes people hostage while doing so isn't considered a terrorist. Not all violent acts are
politically or philosophically motivated.

No, they're not, but the flag, to me, certainly indicates it 's politically motivated.

Everyone in New Zealand knows someone in Sydney. My cousin facebooked from the train that he was OK. He had just left the city. A colleague's son works 1 block away from that café. His whole building was evacuated. We think we are at the end of the world, but as part of a global village, we are closer than we think.

Seriously? Are you for real? As someone who lives here and knows people who are/were on lockdown, it's more than likely some disgruntled person?

I don't see how hanging up an Islamic flag and holding people hostage can be seen as anything other than politically motivated.

this is news to me - UGH! thanks for sharing...off to see what i can find.

Oh I do hope that this will end soon and everyone will be safe,what a terrifying time for Australia. Thinking of you all.

It's been a bit of a crazy day. My colleagues in Sydney were in lock down most of day and sent home early. Depending on what happens tomorrow they'll work from home. I work out of the Sydney office once a week or once a fortnight. Getting lunch in Martin Place is normal. It's all a bit real.

Seriously annoyed at most of our media today. There have been some horrendous headlines, particularly from the Daily Telegraph. But if you need a reminder of the good in the world search twitter for #illridewithyou

Wishing and hoping like crazy for a safe outcome for all the people in the wrong place at the wrong time. And sad that there was a wrong place to be.

So sad and terrifying. My thoughts and prayers go out to all.