Sydney siege: Gunman takes hostages in Lindt cafe

[chooka]

What's the difference between a "terrorist" situation and a "hostage" situation? Do the hostages now get ignored?

It most likely means they are not expecting a negotiated outcome.

Which means this bloke is probably getting taken down after dark.

The police want to negotiate a peaceful outcome, they don't want it to come to lethal force. No police officer wants to draw a firearm and use it and if they do they live with it for the rest of thier lives. It destroys them and thier families and don't wish it on any officer.

Not true........

100% true take from someone who has been there. If you haven't been there how can you say how an officer feels

[jpinx]

Indeed -- it is most important to give the cause no martyrs.

It's not the least bit important. What's important is that he is prevented from taking any lives, and if that means popping one into his skull, get on with it.

For the avoidance of doubt -- the ideal outcome is NO dead people. How the experts achieve that is up to them.

[Chicog]

I'd settle for one - the obvious one.

[Jingthing]

I'd settle for one - the obvious one.

Yeah, who cares what he has to say or his demands? He can take them to the virgins.

[transam]

chooka ol' chum,

This is a contained situation. A traffic cop with a gun will do nothing. Trained chaps are now doing their stuff, if they take the bloke out, that will be it. Trained guys are SORTED to do a job, they deal with it, end of story.

You don't know me.

[Mosha]

Lights out in the cafe. Give him a few hours.

[chooka]

chooka ol' chum,

This is a contained situation. A traffic cop with a gun will do nothing. Trained chaps are now doing their stuff, if they take the bloke out, that will be it. Trained guys are SORTED to do a job, they deal with it, end of story.

You don't know me.

I am trained, did it and had to live with it. Tore my family apart. Have nightmares and relive it many times.

[neverdie]

chooka ol' chum,

This is a contained situation. A traffic cop with a gun will do nothing. Trained chaps are now doing their stuff, if they take the bloke out, that will be it. Trained guys are SORTED to do a job, they deal with it, end of story.

You don't know me.

Tranny,

I really hope chooka doesn't bother responding to your nonsense this evening. He knows what he's talking about far more than what you might realise.....and he wasn't a traffic cop.

You are right about one thing, he doesn't know you, I thought I did, obviously I was wrong.

The chaps there doing the job, will do their job, but none of them want bloodshed, nor do they want all the inquiry, innuendo, paperwork, coroners inquest and all the poking and prodding that comes with such a thing.

Take a tip from Chooka, he was an Australian cop for decades......you, well you were not.

[Rooo]

Troll post & replies quoting it deleted.

[Chicog]

Cheeky.

As landmarks in Sydney were evacuated following an armed man taking an undisclosed number of people hostage in a cafe in the city’s Central Business District, the cost of riding in an Uber taxi soared as people fled the area.

But customers found that the minimum price to take one of the company’s taxis was AUD$100 (£52) - around four times the usual rate, according to CNET.

Uber clarified the situation by saying the “fare surge” was used to encourage more drivers into the city centre to pick up passengers.

Uber later relented, releasing a statement saying that all rides out of the city would be free to “help Sydneysiders get home safely”.

Edited December 15, 2014 by Chicog

[phantomfiddler]

No-one has the balls to call it a terrorist act. The politically correct BS reporting on the BBC right now is nauseating.

Used to rate BBC as a reliable source of news, no longer since it became apparent that their reporting on the Thai political scene around 2010 showed they hadn,t the slightest clue about what was going on. Now one of the lamest, most misinformed worthless outfits on the tube, and no sign of improvement No racialism here, I,m english

[Thrilla]

I don't know Neversure, you answer the question. I Policed on the streets for over 2 decades. I carry a lot of wounds from carrying out my duties diligently and never taking a step backwards. I've been shot at, stabbed, kicked, punched, wrestled to the ground. I put myself between angry men and been involved in so many incidents they've all blurred together.

I never hid in an office and I never delayed getting to an incident. I've been in more than my fair share of scraps and dangerous situations. I've been to sieges and a few if my mates never came home from jobs, I was on scene several times when this happened. Nothing glorious about any of it.

Maybe you think I am a coward, I don't care.

What I am is though, is alive. I survived what I was exposed to and wi all the experienced I gained I formed an educated professional opinion that in these types of situations that people like the tactical police that are in attendance in Sydney are the ones that should have the firearms.

Sure, if a guy like LUST just happened to be there, all the better more, but LUST is LUST, I am me and you are not. You may be really capable with your rifle or side arm, but you haven't trained for,this type of incident and more than likely you arnt proficient in dealing with a situations where either a.) innocent people are in The fire line or b.) under fire yourself. The last thing the professionals need is some whacko shooting from the hip at this point. Take that as a Fact.

I've been shot at, have you? Let me tell you, I must be a coward because when it happened I remember wishing I was somewhere else, but I didn't run and stayed and did my job.

The stuff I'm saying is exactly the same information The Police Commissioner of NSW will say, I guess by your measure, we are Both wrong.

Anyway, all I can say is thank god, nobody of skill and mindset is in the building today....as it's most likely just going to complicate the situation.

You're certainly not a coward.

I've been shot at, mortared, rocketed, bombed etc and life is easy after that but your avatar is really <deleted> creepy & disturbing

[neverdie]

This is Islam, is it not????

The NSW Police Commissioner has stated that they are treating the incident as if it is terrorist related.

There was a black sign in the window of the Cafe written in Arabic quoting an Islamic statement.

Maybe you can answer the question.

[Commerce]

They need to establish if he is belted with explosives first, and that is obviously what they are taking time to ensure. If they establish he is not, then they know the ways in, via the ways people got out, and they'll penetrate and gas the place, while blowing him to pieces - The Australian SASR are as good as most, if not equal par.

Edited December 15, 2014 by Commerce

[webfact]

Thai Foreign Ministry warns Thais to avoid travel to Sydney
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 15 -- Thailand's consulate-general in Sydney warned Thai nationals to avoid travel to Sydney, while Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered the country's security authorities to follow up the hostage drama in Australia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/784255-pm-confident-sydney-hostage-incident-has-no-links-to-thailands-security/page-2#entry8806157

[Commerce]

Thai Foreign Ministry warns Thais to avoid travel to Sydney

By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 15 -- Thailand's consulate-general in Sydney warned Thai nationals to avoid travel to Sydney, while Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered the country's security authorities to follow up the hostage drama in Australia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/784255-pm-confident-sydney-hostage-incident-has-no-links-to-thailands-security/page-2#entry8806157

Let's hope the reciprocal warning comes from all consulates worldwide, about the dangers of coming to Thailand.... bloody idiot.

[neverdie]

They need to establish if he is belted with explosives first, and that is obviously what they are taking time to ensure. If they establish he is not, then they know the ways in, via the ways people got out, and they'll penetrate and gas the place, while blowing him to pieces - The Australian SASR are as good as most, if not equal par.

Commerce. This is a Police operation. The SASR, is not involved.

NSW Police Tactical Response Police are the heavily armed officers you are seeing.

[Chicog]

Thai Foreign Ministry warns Thais to avoid travel to Sydney

By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 15 -- Thailand's consulate-general in Sydney warned Thai nationals to avoid travel to Sydney, while Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered the country's security authorities to follow up the hostage drama in Australia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/784255-pm-confident-sydney-hostage-incident-has-no-links-to-thailands-security/page-2#entry8806157

Let's hope the reciprocal warning comes from all consulates worldwide, about the dangers of coming to Thailand.... bloody idiot.

He meant don't go into Sydney, not don't go to Australia.

Did you even read the article before you started typing?

"The consulate-general warned Thai people to refrain from visiting the area and leave the center of Sydney because there were bomb threats at many locations there."

[Tywais]

From US Embassy Australia:

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Ongoing Security Incident in Martin Place in Sydney

U.S. Consulate Sydney informs U.S. citizens of a security incident involving at least one armed person at Lindt Chocolate Café in Martin Place in Sydney. New South Wales and Australian Federal police are addressing the threat. Please avoid the area around Martin Place until further notice.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to review your personal security plan, remain aware of your surroundings including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.

From UK Embassy Australia:

Latest update: Summary section - security incident in Sydney

On 15 December one or more armed people took an undisclosed number of hostages at Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place in Sydney’s city centre. New South Wales and Australian Federal Police are handling the incident.

You should avoid the area near Martin Place until further notice. A number of public buildings have been locked down, and there are transport and road changes across Sydney.

[vogie]

There are also 3.4 billion Chinese, but I don't see them waving flags and taking hostages..... in fact when they did we opposed them as well.

Oz

Yes, but they do throw hot noodles!

[chooka]

Thai Foreign Ministry warns Thais to avoid travel to Sydney

By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 15 -- Thailand's consulate-general in Sydney warned Thai nationals to avoid travel to Sydney, while Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered the country's security authorities to follow up the hostage drama in Australia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/784255-pm-confident-sydney-hostage-incident-has-no-links-to-thailands-security/page-2#entry8806157

Let's hope the reciprocal warning comes from all consulates worldwide, about the dangers of coming to Thailand.... bloody idiot.

He meant don't go into Sydney, not don't go to Australia.

Did you even read the article before you started typing?

"The consulate-general warned Thai people to refrain from visiting the area and leave the center of Sydney because there were bomb threats at many locations there."

bomb threats? You heard it 1st from Thailand, nothing on the aussie news about this

[neverdie]

Thai Foreign Ministry warns Thais to avoid travel to Sydney

By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 15 -- Thailand's consulate-general in Sydney warned Thai nationals to avoid travel to Sydney, while Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered the country's security authorities to follow up the hostage drama in Australia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/784255-pm-confident-sydney-hostage-incident-has-no-links-to-thailands-security/page-2#entry8806157

Let's hope the reciprocal warning comes from all consulates worldwide, about the dangers of coming to Thailand.... bloody idiot.

He meant don't go into Sydney, not don't go to Australia.

Did you even read the article before you started typing?

"The consulate-general warned Thai people to refrain from visiting the area and leave the center of Sydney because there were bomb threats at many locations there."

bomb threats? You heard it 1st from Thailand, nothing on the aussie news about this

There was apparently some suggestion that hostages had contacted people via social media (at the request of their captor) and made claim to explosive devices at other locations.

Police have been checking these reports out....apparently.

[neverdie]

They seem to report only 1 terrorist.

Nearly reaching the 12 hour point. Dangerous time as his tiredness will start to effect his thought patterns. He has nobody backing him up and can't even rest.

[Chicog]

Thai Foreign Ministry warns Thais to avoid travel to Sydney

By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 15 -- Thailand's consulate-general in Sydney warned Thai nationals to avoid travel to Sydney, while Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered the country's security authorities to follow up the hostage drama in Australia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/784255-pm-confident-sydney-hostage-incident-has-no-links-to-thailands-security/page-2#entry8806157

Let's hope the reciprocal warning comes from all consulates worldwide, about the dangers of coming to Thailand.... bloody idiot.

He meant don't go into Sydney, not don't go to Australia.

Did you even read the article before you started typing?

"The consulate-general warned Thai people to refrain from visiting the area and leave the center of Sydney because there were bomb threats at many locations there."

bomb threats? You heard it 1st from Thailand, nothing on the aussie news about this

Really? I heard this ages ago. Police asked people to report anything suspicious, that was in their first presser.

"Local 9News TV channel cited unconfirmed radio reports claiming that at least one of the hostage-takers said there are four devices planted across Sydney and demanded to speak with Prime Minister Tony Abbott."

[Chicog]

Jeez is it International Siege Day or something?

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ghent-siege-hostage-taken-belgium-city-after-armed-men-storm-apartment-1479544

[konying]

More culture enrichment from the usual suspects, who brought us 5000 murders in November. Let's wait for the liberals to come to the rescue by playing interference.

Seastallion, dexter and co have been rather silent

[kinmaew]

How can this be political when he is waving a flag related to their religion that talks about their prophet? Once again Political correctness is one of the contributing factors that has allowed this to happen and of course the Greens cannot get enough unskilled Muslims coming to the west living on DSS for the rest of their lives.

[atyclb]

LIVE http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-15/hostages-sydney-cafe-martin-place-police-operation/5967232

Key points:

• Heavily armed police have taken position around the Lindt cafe in central Sydney
• Hostages have been seen inside the cafe with their hands in the air
• Black flag with white Arabic writing reading "There is no God but Allah" and "Mohammed is the messenger of God" waved behind the hostages
• Martin Place and Sydney Opera House have been evacuated
• National Security Committee of Cabinet has convened; Prime Minister Tony Abbott described incident as "deeply concerning" and offered NSW all assistance possible.

BUT don't forget this is not a terrorist attack..... that would be too anti PC.... <deleted>

Oz

""There is no God but Allah" and "Mohammed is the messenger of God""

how dare them say that.

everyone knows it was that guy in the middle east born to a virgin mother that died for mankind's sins then came back to life to prove he was connected to the holy ghost and the father and allegedly walked on water ( did i miss anything? )

Edited December 15, 2014 by atyclb

[konying]

They seem to report only 1 terrorist.

Nearly reaching the 12 hour point. Dangerous time as his tiredness will start to effect his thought patterns. He has nobody backing him up and can't even rest.

You assumimg his plan is anything else but to make world news and then blow everyone up.

They need to move in and move in now, this is not a ransom situation , this is a suicide mission.

Jihadists do not hold hostages for some ransom, he has already displayed what he stands for and no demands have been made.

We also do not know if he is alone or not, not to mention what others from his cell / group are doing.

They also hardly ever work alone, sadly I do not see this ending well, but really hope I am wrong

Edited December 15, 2014 by konying

[White Christmas13]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auFYjuauhII

Meanwhile in Lakemba