Australian Women and Children Linked to Islamic State Attempt Return from Syrian Camp

Four women and nine children with ties to Islamic State have departed from the al-Roj camp in north-eastern Syria, according to reports. The group is attempting to return to Australia. This marks their second effort since February, when a larger group of 34 women and children left the camp but were turned back after traveling 50 kilometers.

The Australian citizens have been held in Syrian camps for seven years, following the fall of Islamic State in the country and the death or capture of their husbands and fathers who fought for the group.

Camp director Hakmiyeh Ibrahim stated that the coordination for the departure was handled between camp authorities and the Syrian government. She said there were no plans for additional Australians at the camp to leave. The departure occurred on Friday, as reported by the ABC.

the group was part of a larger cohort that attempted to leave but was unsuccessful. Opposition leader Angus Taylor proposed legislation to make it illegal for charities to assist in repatriations from Syria. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the government was not assisting the repatriation and expressed contempt for those who left Australia to join Islamic State.

>"If you make your bed, you lie in it," Albanese said in February.

A home affairs spokesperson said security agencies are monitoring the situation in Syria. The spokesperson stated that individuals in the cohort who have committed crimes would face the full force of the law upon return. The safety of Australians and national interests remain the priority.