Australian authorities announced plans to arrest four women with alleged ties to Islamic State (IS) militants upon their return from Syria. The group, which includes nine children, booked flights from Damascus to Australia, according to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. The individuals were held in Roj Camp near the Syrian-Iraqi border and left the camp last week.
Key Takeaways
Australian authorities plan to arrest four women and investigate them upon their return from Syria for alleged ties to Islamic State militants. The group includes nine children who will undergo reintegration programs.
- Four Australian women with alleged IS links booked flights from Damascus
- Women and children were held in Roj Camp near the Syrian-Iraqi border
- Some individuals will be arrested and charged upon arrival
- Children will undergo community integration and counter-extremism programs
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have been investigating potential terrorism offenses and crimes against humanity, such as slave trading, since 2015. Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that some individuals will be arrested and charged upon arrival, while others will face continued investigations. The children will undergo community integration programs and counter-violent extremism initiatives.
The Australian government has repeatedly stated it is not assisting in the repatriation of these individuals. Burke emphasized that the group's actions were disgraceful and that the government's lack of support reflects their decisions. He noted there are serious limits to preventing citizens from returning to their home country.
A previous attempt to return 34 women and children from the same camp in February was turned back by Syrian authorities. One woman was banned from returning due to a temporary exclusion order, which remains in place. The orders were created by laws introduced in 2019 to prevent defeated IS fighters from returning to Australia.
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