US consulate near hostage siege evacuated

The U.S. consulate general in Sydney, Australia, has been evacuated due to security precautions sparked by a hostage siege in the city’s central business district.

{mosads}The State Department said all chief-of-mission personnel have been accounted for.

U.S. citizens are being advised to avoid the area around the Martin Place pedestrian mall, to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings and to monitor local news for updates.

“We are closely following the security incident in Sydney,” spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those who are being held hostage.”

A gunman took hostages in a busy cafe early Monday.

Shortly after the crisis began, hostages were shown on television pressed up against a window and holding a black flag with white Arabic script.

Five hostages have escaped and are being evaluated by medical personnel.

Australia, which has been involved in U.S.-led military efforts against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, has been grappling with terrorism threats for months. In September, Prime Minister Tony Abbott raised the country’s threat level from medium to high.