Several Australian women associated with Islamic State militants are expected to face arrest and potential legal action upon their return from Syria this week. The government, along with federal police, has pledged a strict approach when the group arrives.
Tony Burke, the Minister for Home Affairs, confirmed that four Australian women and nine children have commenced their journey back home. This return follows over a decade of coordinated efforts by a joint task force composed of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The women and children are anticipated to arrive via flights from Doha on Thursday. The government has stated that it did not provide any assistance to this group, which is part of a larger cohort of 34 Australian women and their children who have been residing in the al-Roj camp in northern Syria since the fall of Islamic State’s territorial claims.
Under Australian law, citizens cannot be barred from entering the country unless there is a formal exclusion order in place. Burke has issued such an order for one woman based on ASIO’s assessment of a national security threat.
On Wednesday morning, the government was informed of a planned departure involving a group of 13 individuals who left al-Roj and traveled to Damascus last month. All members of this group hold Australian citizenship.
Burke remarked, “These individuals have made the terrible decision to join a perilous terrorist organization and have endangered their children’s well-being.” He emphasized, “As we have stated repeatedly, any members of this group who have committed crimes should be prepared to face the full extent of the law.”
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett indicated that some adults in the returning group may be arrested and face charges upon arrival in Australia. Meanwhile, the children will be required to participate in an anti-extremism program and will also receive psychological support.
Operational details regarding the number of adults facing arrest were not disclosed due to police operational protocols.
Planning for the return of this group has been ongoing for the past decade, including collaboration with community liaison teams to engage with impacted local communities. Barrett noted, “Operational planning for these individuals’ return began in 2015. The joint counter-terrorism teams consist of some of the most skilled national security investigators and analysts in Australia.”
Mike Burgess, ASIO’s Director General, stated that assessments regarding the group have been communicated to law enforcement agencies. “The government is aware of our evaluated risks,” he mentioned. “What they do upon their arrival is up to them. If they show any concerning behavior, we, along with the police and the joint counter-terrorism teams, will take necessary action.”
Burgess expressed that he is not immediately worried about their return but acknowledged that they would be monitored closely.
This group is making a second attempt to return to Australia after a larger group was previously turned away by Syrian authorities in February. The Syrian government has been transporting the group to Damascus in response to international calls for countries to repatriate their citizens who had joined the Islamic State.
The United States has urged nations, including Australia, to bring back their citizens who went to the Middle East to align with the IS caliphate, a contentious issue for successive Australian governments.
Under the leadership of Anthony Albanese, the Labor party had shown support for repatriating these families as recently as 2022. However, the political landscape surrounding this issue has shifted significantly following the December shootings at Bondi Beach. Albanese has since declined to assist the group, stating that the adults have “made their bed” and should face the repercussions of their choices.
