#SydneySiege: 'Islamist' hostage drama in Australia

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that the Iranian-born hostage taker was mentally unstable.

"He [Man Haron Monis] had a long history of violent crime, infatuation with extremism, and mental instability," Abbott said. "As the siege unfolded...he sought to cloak his actions with the symbolism of the ISIL death cult."

Abbott said that Australian authorities knew of Monis' extremist outlook prior to the hostage siege, from threat letters he sent to Australian soldiers deployed in the Middle East.

"We know that he sent offensive letters to the families of Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan and was found guilty of offences related to this," he said. "We also know that he posted graphic extremist material online. Tragically, there are people in our community ready to engage in politically motivated violence."

At the same time, Abbott praised police conduct during the tense hours of the standoff.

Tori Johnson was manager of the cafe. Died a hero, tried to knock gun out of Man Monis’ hand. #SydneySiege#9Newspic.twitter.com/rUlgU2U4T6

— Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) December 15, 2014

No explosives were found and all 17 hostages were accounted for, police commissioner for the state of NSW, Andrew Scipione, told reporters.

NWS police confirmed three people including gunman were killed, four more injured.

Critical incident established following #MartinPlace death http://t.co/QSpY6AJoei

— NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014

#BREAKING 7News told three people have died after the siege - two hostages and gunman. Unconfirmed. #siege

— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 15, 2014

Australian media reports the gunman murdered a hostage before being killed himself. However, this hasn’t been officially confirmed by NSW police.

Police rescue van arrives at the scene of the Sydney siege,which is over. Police yet to confirm reports 2 people died pic.twitter.com/OlKCh4x8Os

— DeborahClay (@DeborahClay) December 15, 2014

NSW Police cannot confirm breaking reports two people have died in the Sydney siege, saying all they can confirm is that the siege is over.

— DeborahClay (@DeborahClay) December 15, 2014

Police have now formed a line in front of media. #sydneysiegepic.twitter.com/PcQrB9ByNL

— Helen Davidson (@heldavidson) December 15, 2014

Police have confirmed the siege is over. At least four hostages and one police officer have been injured, Sky News reports.

Sydney siege is over. More details to follow.

— NSW Police (@nswpolice) December 15, 2014