A group of Australian women and children with links to the collapsed extremist group Islamic State an organisation responsible for severe harm, loss of life and widespread human rights abuses has begun arriving back in Australia more than six years after being taken to refugee camps in Syria.
One group landed at Melbourne Airport shortly before 5:30pm, while another woman and her child were expected to arrive in Sydney later in the evening. The returning cohort often referred to by some politicians as “ISIS brides” consists of women who travelled to Syria during the height of the group’s so‑called caliphate and were later trapped there after its territorial defeat in 2019.
Thousands of foreign family members of suspected or deceased Islamic State fighters were detained in camps in north‑eastern Syria. Thirteen Australians four women and nine children left the Al Roj camp on April 24 and were reportedly moved to Damascus before booking flights home this week.
The case has become a political flashpoint for the federal government, which has repeatedly condemned the women’s decisions and stressed they will receive no special assistance upon return. Authorities have also warned that legal consequences await some of them.
The Australian Federal Police confirmed that several of the women will be arrested and charged. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said potential charges include terrorism offences such as entering or remaining in declared areas, as well as crimes against humanity, including engaging in slave trading. She added that investigations into some individuals will continue after their arrival.
It is understood that 21 Australians remain in the Al Roj camp, with discussions ongoing about their future.
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