Australia denies plans to repatriate ISIS-linked families from Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Australia’s government officially rejected on Sunday a media report claiming it is preparing to repatriate Australians from a Syrian detention camp holding families of suspected Islamic State (ISIS) militants.
The report in question, published by The Sunday Telegraph, asserted that preparations were underway to bring home a group of Australian women and children from the Roj Camp in northeast Syria.
The group, consisting of 34 individuals, was briefly released from the camp earlier this week but was returned to it due to logistical issues before they could continue their journey.
The group is expected to travel to Damascus as part of future repatriation efforts.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke strongly denied the report’s claims, stating that the government is not conducting a formal repatriation operation and has not held meetings with state authorities to arrange one.
“In that report, it makes a claim that we are conducting a repatriation. We are not,” Burke said on Australian Broadcasting Corporation television. “It claims we have been meeting with the states for the purposes of a repatriation. We have not.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated that his government will not assist the group in returning to Australia, underscoring a firm stance against facilitating their repatriation.
The issue has become politically contentious at home, with debate intensifying amid rising support for anti-immigration voices.
Under Australian law, the Islamic State is listed as a terrorist organization, with membership punishable by significant prison terms. Authorities also have the power to revoke citizenship from dual nationals associated with the group.