The Sydney Siege in Photos: As It Happened

The Sydney Siege was one of the extremely rare occasions when Australia suffered a terror attack. The hostage situation seemed to have a connection with Australia's mission in the Middle East as a black flag with white Arabic writing on it was displayed during the attack to hint who might be behind the siege that eventually took three lives. Here is how it happened:

9.45 a.m. (Dec. 15)

Reports initially suggest a possible armed robbery at Lindt Chocolat café in Sydney Martin's Place. Police are called to the busy plaza.

10.10 a.m. (Dec. 15)

Media outlets come to know about the hostage situation. Hostages are seen inside the café with their hands pressed against the window. A couple of hostages are apparently forced to hold a black flag with white Arabic writing saying "There is no other god than Allah" and "Mohammad is the only messenger." The hostage situation is speculated to have connection with Islamic State militants.

10.30 a.m. (Dec. 15)

Police evacuate nearby buildings and line up outside the café.

12.30 p.m. (Dec. 15)

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott addresses the nation and calls it a "deeply concerning incident."

04.00 p.m. (Dec. 15)

Three men are captured on camera while running away from the café. One of the people, who managed to flee, is wearing a café apron.

05.00 p.m. (Dec. 15)

Two more people manage to escape. Two women in Lindt aprons sprint to the officers.

06.00 p.m. (Dec. 15)

Abbott claims that the situation was politically motivated. However, he does not officially refer to any possible terror plot.

06.30 p.m. (Dec. 15)

Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn meets the press and says that police negotiators have contacted the assailant. She says that the negotiation may take some time. She does not specify the number of hostages.

09.00 p.m. (Dec. 15)

Lights inside the Lindt café are turned off. Officers put on their night goggles.

01.11 a.m. (Dec. 16)

The assailant is identified as Man Haron Monis aka Sheikh Haron. Australia granted political asylum to the Iranian-born cleric years back.

02.20 a.m. (Dec. 16)

Loud bangs are audible as more hostages manage to run away. Commandos rush the café. Several bursts of gunfire are heard. People with injuries are carried off the building.

02.35 a.m. (Dec. 16)

NSW Police declare the siege to be over.

05.48 a.m. (Dec. 16)

Three people, including the gunman, are declared to be dead. The other two casualties are a 38-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man.

Reference: The Guardian

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au