US Urges Repatriation of Citizens from Syrian Camps; Australia Refuses

The Trump administration has urged countries to repatriate their citizens stranded in Syrian detention camps, emphasizing the need for action as facilities like al-Roj are set to close. A senior administration official stated that the US is communicating with nations to assist in bringing back individuals, including those with and without Islamic State affiliations.

This push comes as a group of four Australian women, along with their nine children and grandchildren, remain stuck in Damascus after attempting to return home.

The group left al-Roj camp in northeastern Syria last Friday, traveling to Damascus under Syrian government custody. Syrian officials reported that the families were turned back before reaching the airport because the Australian government refused to receive them.

The al-Roj camp, controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and funded by the US, holds foreign nationals linked to Islamic State fighters. The prime minister said the US position is not new and Australia's stance remains unchanged. Many women claim they were coerced or tricked into entering Syria, with some children born in the camp.

None have been charged with crimes, though one woman faces a temporary exclusion order. Australia conducted successful repatriations in 2019 and 2022, bringing back orphaned children and a group of women and children.

The al-Roj camp has been described as squalid and dangerous, with concerns it could incubate radicalization. It is being steadily shuttered ahead of a handover to the Syrian government. Seven other Australian women and 14 children remain in the camp. The US has consistently pushed for countries to take back their citizens and offered help with the process.