A new group of women and children linked to the Islamic State group is reportedly preparing to return to Australia from Syria. The cohort, believed to consist of seven women and 14 children, represents the final Australians remaining at the notorious al-Roj refugee camp.
Journey to Damascus
The group is currently traveling by bus on an approximately 11-hour road trip to Damascus, the Syrian capital. This journey comes just days after a car bomb attack in Damascus killed one person and injured at least 18 others. The group hopes to secure flights to Australia from Damascus.
Political Backlash
The potential return has sparked strong reactions from Australian politicians. Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume expressed concern, stating, "Let's face it, the fact that they have gone overseas to fight with a radical terrorist organisation means that they are potentially an enormous danger to our citizens." Federal government minister Mark Butler warned that the women have been told they will face the full force of the law upon their return.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor called on the government to prevent their return, saying, "The government should be doing everything in its power to prevent these people from coming." However, Butler noted that "they have legal rights as Australian citizens to make their own way back to the Australian border."
Previous Returns and Legal Actions
The reaction mirrors the response to a previous group of four ISIS-linked women and nine children who arrived in Melbourne and Sydney. Federal police arrested three of those women on charges related to terrorism organisation membership and slavery. The fourth woman was not charged.
Once the new group purchases airline tickets in Damascus, Australian agencies will be notified, allowing police to plan potential arrests. The situation remains under close scrutiny as the group makes its way toward repatriation.
