UPDATE: POLICE RAID CAFE, GUNSHOTS FIRED – Muslim jihadist has hostages in Sydney

by The Right Scoop

Everything I’m seeing on Fox News so far suggests the Prime Minister of Australia is refusing to call this a terrorist attack even though it is quite clear the gunman is a jihadi and the hostages were forced to hold up an Islamic flag against the window of the cafe. The gunman’s name is Mohammad Hassan Manteghi or Man Haron Monis and he’s a Muslim cleric initially born in Iran.

9 NEWS – Radical Muslim cleric Sheik Man Haron Monis has been revealed to be the ringleader in the Sydney cafe siege that has seen up to 15 people held hostage since yesterday morning.

Monis was born Manteghi Bourjerdi and fled from Iran to Australia in 1996 where he changed his name to Man Haron Monis and assuming the title of Sheik Haron.

The self-styled sheik did not enjoy the support of mainstream Muslims, according to community leader Dr Jamal Rifi.

He has gained media attention in the past for a “hate mail” campaign, protesting the presence of Australian troops in Afghanistan.

Earlier this month Monis announced via his website he used to be a Rafidi, one who rejects legitimate Islamic authority and leadership, but “now I am a Muslim”.

It seems clear that it is likely that Monis is following the call of ISIS urging lone-wolf attacks against the citizens of Australia, especially now that he considers himself a normal Muslim:

The Islamic State group, which now holds a third of Syria and Iraq, has threatened Australia in the past. In September, Islamic State group spokesman Abu Mohammed al-Adnani issued an audio message urging so-called “lone wolf” attacks abroad, specifically mentioning Australia. Al-Adnani told Muslims to kill all “disbelievers,” whether they be civilians or soldiers.

Here’s more on the attack in Sydney:

 
UPDATE: USA Today reports that Monis is requesting an Islamic State flag despite the other Islamic flag he made hostages hold up. He also claims to have planted bombs around the city and is requesting a meeting with the Prime Minister of Australia:

 
UPDATE II: Just now at 10:17 it appears the police have now raided the cafe.


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