13 ISIS-Linked Women, Children to Return to Australia; Arrests Possible

Darwin, 06 May: Australia’s Home Affairs Minister has revealed that a group of 13 Australian citizens—comprising four women and nine children—are preparing to return home from detention camps in Syria.

The women are alleged to have links with the militant group (ISIS) and have been living in refugee camps since the group’s territorial defeat.

Australian Federal Police indicated that some of the returning women could be arrested upon arrival and face terrorism-related charges. Authorities are expected to assess potential offences, including involvement with a terrorist organisation and activities in conflict zones.

Burke emphasized that the Australian government is not facilitating their return but acknowledged that, as citizens, they have the legal right to re-enter the country. He added that anyone found to have committed crimes would be prosecuted under Australian law.

At the same time, the government is preparing support measures for the children, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

According to reports, the women had travelled to Syria between 2012 and 2016, where they lived in areas once controlled by ISIS. Following the group’s collapse, they remained in detention camps under harsh conditions.

The development has sparked political debate in Australia, with opposition figures raising concerns over national security and questioning the government’s handling of the situation.