Hostages have been taken inside a central Sydney cafe where a black flag with white Arabic writing can be seen on the window, according to local media.<br/> <br />A police operation is underway in the area known as Martin Place, home to the Reserve Bank of Australia and numerous other commercial institutions.<br/> <br />Local television showed images of hostages inside the Lindt Cafe taken shortly after the incident began.<br/> <br />Prime Minister Tony Abbott called an emergency meeting of the cabinet's national security committee.<br/> <br />Abbott described the incident as "deeply concerning."<br/> <br />Authorities have cordoned off numerous streets.<br/> <br />The incident remains under investigation.
