Australia debates return of ISIS-linked women and children from NE Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A political dispute has erupted in Australia over reports that another group of wives and children of Islamic State (ISIS) militants may soon be repatriated from detention camps in northeast Syria, local media revealed on Wednesday.
The media said that more than a dozen women, children, and young men are expected to be evacuated from Roj Camp and brought to Australia’s New South Wales and Victoria before Christmas in a secret operation.
The women had traveled to Syria and Iraq during the height of ISIS rule and have remained in detention since 2019 following the military defeat of ISIS in Baghuz town, eastern Syria.
The Australian government, headed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of the Labor Party, denied it is conducting a direct rescue mission, but acknowledged that extensive logistical support would be necessary to facilitate their return. The opposition has demanded greater transparency, warning against secrecy in the process.
In 2022, the government organized the return of 13 children and four mothers, sparking backlash in western Sydney. Plans for further repatriations were put on hold until after the May federal election.
In recent years, Australia has faced pressure to repatriate dozens of its citizens linked to ISIS and held in detention camps in northeast Syria.
In September 2023, Save the Children Australia launched a legal case in Melbourne demanding the return of 12 women and 21 children, arguing their detention in Roj camp was unlawful. The group stressed that the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has repeatedly urged foreign governments to take back their nationals.
Australia had previously repatriated eight children in 2019, followed by four women and 13 children in October 2022.
However, in May 2024, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shelved plans to repatriate around 40 women and children from Roj Camp, saying returns would only proceed if camp security worsened. Rights groups condemned the decision as a failure of political will, warning that children remain at risk in dire conditions.