In Australia, a gunman has reportedly taken several people hostage at a popular Cafe in Central Sydney. A flag with Arabic writing was also reportedly seen hanging in the window of the cafe. Hundreds of armed police have sealed off the Place and urged people to avoid the area. Major landmarks in the city such as the Sydney Opera House have been evacuated. Newsroom of Channel Seven, located opposite the cafe has also been cleared.

Meanwhile Australian police said negotiators had been in contact with the gunman but refused to speculate on his possible motivation. Television footage earlier showed three of the hostages running from the building. New South Wales Deputy Police Commissioner Catherine Burn declined to say how many were still being held in the cafe but said it is not more than 30 persons may be inside. Burn told reporters there was no indication that any of the remaining hostages had been harmed.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described the incident as deeply concerning. He said it was not yet clear who was behind the incident but that it could be politically motivated, and that the National Security Committee had been briefed.

Prime Minister Narender Modi has expressed deep concern over Sydney cafe siege incident in Australia, saying that it is an act of inhumanity which is deeply unfortunate. In an official release, Mr. Modi described the incident as disturbing.

The Australian National Imams Council has condemned the siege at a Sydney cafe, describing it as a criminal act. The joint statement with the Grand Mufti of Australia said such actions are denounced in Islam. The Grand Mufti and the Council pledged their full support and solidarity with the victims and their families and aspire to a peaceful resolve to the calamity.